Measures for improving eye health in Europe
24.6.2015
Question for written answer E-010145-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea (ALDE)
A number of studies have shown that there is a poor standard of eye care in the EU. The situation in Spain is particularly worrying: according to Eurobarometer (2012) only one in four people in Spain attend a sight test every year.
The economic crisis has meant that many people cannot afford eye care, which has led to a situation of visual poverty; as an illustration, over 20% of patients delay in purchasing new glasses.
There are also other issues affecting eye health, such as the increased use of ready‐made glasses. As these are unregulated and poorly understood by consumers, they involve a health risk.
Given the social cost of poor eye health and the fact that the EU has a duty to improve public health, I would like to ask:
- 1.What is the Commission going to do to help prevent the risks associated with certain products for the eyes, such as ready‐made glasses?
- 2.Does it think that questions concerning eye health should be reintroduced into the Eurobarometer given that nothing has been asked on this matter since 2012?
- 3.Is it planning to urge the Member States to ensure equal access to eye care, especially for the most disadvantaged social groups?