Are free eye tests on the Island going to be abolished?

North Douglas member John Houghton raised the question in the House of Keys today (Tuesday).

Health Minister David Anderson said his department had been investigating eligibility criteria for various health services and is in the 'early stages' of considering a range of options relating to opthalmic services within the community, including the availability of free eye tests for all.

He stressed no decisions had been made and if there were any changes to the current arrangements, they would have to be progressed in the normal manner.

But he confirmed that with ever increasing costs, the department couldn't go on paying for everything.