McArthur raises awareness of misleading eye test adverts

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has warned of misleading letters advertising at-home eye tests around Orkney, after the clinic advertising the tests confirmed to him that they do not offer their services in Orkney.

Swindon-based, Outside Clinic have been sending letters to Orkney residents advertising at-home NHS eye tests in “the Kirkwall area”. Constituents have been in touch with Mr McArthur to complain that, having followed up on the letter, they were unable to book appointments. In correspondence with Outside Clinic, Mr McArthur has been told that the Clinic does not offer services in Orkney and the letters were sent in error. The company has offered an apology to all those affected.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“The offer of at-home eye tests is clearly attractive, particularly for many elderly Orkney residents. Not surprisingly, therefore, the letters from Outside Clinic generated a fair amount of interest although constituents trying to book appointments were left frustrated.

“The company has now confirmed to me in writing that they do not provide this service in the islands and the letters were sent in error. They have offered an apology to anyone in Orkney who received the letter but it is important that the public is made aware of this misleading offer.

“At-home testing is available in Orkney, although the demand on services overall remains high”.