Scottish families are saving hundreds of pounds a year on healthcare as new figures show record levels of free eye tests and prescriptions being delivered in Scotland.
New research from the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the SNP, reveals that 2.4million free eye tests were carried out in Scotland last year, the highest annual total on record.
The figures show an increase of more than 800,000 eye tests per year since the SNP first entered government, with the overall number of tests rising by more than 50% during that period.
Since 2007/8, around 36.7million free eye tests have been delivered in Scotland.
In England, families face charges of up to £60 per eye test, with leading providers charging between £24 and £60, meaning Scottish families are estimated to be saving more than £58million a year by comparison.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People estimates there are around 2.2million people living with sight loss in the UK, a figure expected to rise to 2.7million by 2032 and 4million by 2050.
Around 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight every day, the equivalent of one person every six minutes.
RNIB estimates that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime, but says around 50% of cases are preventable through early detection and treatment, underlining the importance of regular eye tests.
Preventable conditions include age related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, all of which are becoming more common across the UK.
Polling carried out for National Eye Health Week found 19million people across the UK are not having regular eye tests, with people on lower incomes among the least likely to attend due to financial pressures.
In addition to eye care, House of Commons Library analysis shows the number of people receiving free prescriptions in Scotland has reached record levels since prescription charges were abolished in 2013.
The number of prescribed items dispensed free of charge has risen from 98.7million to 117.3million in 2024.
In England, the cost of an NHS prescription has increased by 21% since 2013, rising from £7.85 to £9.90, meaning Scottish families are saving an estimated £209 per person per year on average.
SNP Westminster health spokesperson Seamus Logan MP said:
“Improving our NHS, and helping families with the cost of living, will always be the number one priority for John Swinney’s SNP government.
“Under the SNP, families in Scotland are saving hundreds of pounds a year thanks to SNP policies like free prescriptions, free eye tests, and free personal care.
“The evidence shows that, under the SNP, more people than ever are benefiting from these policies, which is vital to preventing sight loss and also detecting a wide range of other conditions at an early stage from diabetes to cancer.
“In contrast, families in England are losing out under the Labour government to the tune of hundreds of pounds.
“Keir Starmer broke his promises and scrapped plans to abolish charges for eye tests and prescriptions.
“It means people are having to shell out up to £60 an eye test and £9.90 per prescription.
“Families are already struggling due to the soaring cost of living under Keir Starmer.
“On the Labour Party’s watch, energy bills are around £500 higher than promised, food prices are through the roof, inflation has nearly doubled, UK unemployment has risen to a five-year high, and families are struggling from payday to payday.
“Under the SNP, the NHS will always be free at the point of use.
“Voting SNP on 7th May is the best way to protect and improve Scotland’s NHS, prioritise the cost of living, and secure a fresh start with independence.”
