Summary

The objective of the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) is to provide, through community opticians' practices, preventative and corrective eye care for children, people aged 60 and over, people on low incomes and those suffering from or pre-disposed to eye disease. These tables show selected statistics of NHS Ophthalmic activity during the first half of 2011/12, at national, PCT and SHA level. For detail on data coverage and collection see our beginners guide to NHS Eye Care publications at www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/eyecare.

Users should also be aware of the Data Quality Statement, which accompanies this report. We welcome any feedback on these data, as well as suggestions for future reports. Comments can be submitted via the 'Have your say' link.

Responsible Statistician: Phil Cooke - Section Head

Key facts

Data available for England during the first half of 2011/12 show:

• There were 5.9 million NHS sight tests.
• 2.1 million optical vouchers were processed.
• There were 200,000 voucher items for repairs or replacement.