Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits delivered by the Special School Eye Care Service; whether that scheme will be rolled out beyond the pilot scheme; how many (a) schools and (b) children participated in the pilot; what the total cost of the pilot scheme was; and whether he is taking steps to help ensure that schools which participated in the scheme will be provided with support and advice following the end of the pilot scheme.

NHS England’s proof-of-concept programme has been conducted in 83 special schools since May 2021. The number of pupils having sight tests increases as clinics continue to be held. To date, over 9000 sight tests have been delivered to at least 7098 pupils. The total cost of the pilot scheme is estimated to be £3.1 million.

The NHS England proof-of-concept programme is currently being evaluated. All contracts operating under this programme have been extended until 31 July 2023. This will provide continuity of care until the end of the academic year. The evaluation of the programme will inform decisions about the scope, funding and delivery of any future sight testing model.