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Scotland is a world leader in the field of eyecare, offering free assessment and treatment to all of its residents.
Comprehensive NHS eye examinations were introduced in the country in 2006, allowing Scots to be offered free testing by professional optometrists in hundreds of clinics across the nation.
The 2006 drive for boosted eyecare provision was part of a collaborative effort between Optometry Scotland and the Scottish government.
And the initiative has paid dividends, taking the strain off ophthalmologists and GP surgeries in the country, which are no longer the first point of contact for people suffering from a plethora of eye-related issues such as myopia and hyperopia.
Optometry Scotland has also managed to negotiate a £1 million training grant and two equipment grants since starting its collaboration with the Scottish government.
Commenting on the partnership, chairman of the Optometry Scotland Gill Syme said: "We are very proud to represent Scotland's optometrists and the various achievements made by Optometry Scotland, including the free eye tests and grants ensure that Scotland's eye care system is the envy of the rest of the world."
According to the NHS Information Service, following the introduction of free eye tests in Scotland, the number of people visiting an optometrist increased by 64 per cent.
And just last week, supermarket chain Tesco announced that it was re-introducing universal free eye tests in the UK.
Ashley Hicks, Tesco director of pharmacy and healthcare, said: "By removing the cost barrier and offering convenient opening hours, we aim to make this important check up as easy as possible
The introduction of universal free eye tests across the whole of the UK could boost the uptake of the revolutionary Ortho-K over night contact lenses, which gently reshape a person's eye while they sleep – doing away with the need for contact lenses or glasses during the day.
Ortho-K lenses are worn when a person is sleeping and have a similar effect to
laser eye surgery without any of the associated risks, such as permanent damage to vision.
Eye Health: Find out if i-GO over night contact lenses will suit you.
By Nick Howard
