Optical illusion

I declare an interest as one who works in the optical industry but the figures mooted in your report (19 August) do not add up.

Children and those over 60 have far more frequent eye exams than those in the 18-60 age group.

A large proportion of the working age population also claim state benefits or have health issues which would continue an entitlement to free NHS eyecare.

Looking at our own practice diaries suggests around four out of five appointments would continue to be covered by the health service if universal entitlement is to end. That suggests a saving of around 13 million rather than 30m.

Having recently spent many hours accompanying my brother to a very good but hugely overstretched hospital eye department I would say having high street optometrists working within the NHS is preferable to loading even more work on to the hospital eye service.

Chris O'Neill

Titwood Road

Glasgow