It follows one father's relentless battle after his two daughters were belatedly diagnosed with the common eye problem condition of amblyopia - otherwise known as "lazy eye" - which can often be treated successfully if detected in early childhood.

Stephen Wilson believes the change of eye-screening policy by NHS Highland can also be attributed to The Inverness Courier which highlighted his campaign to raise awareness among parents about the shortcomings in the present arrangements.

Mr Wilson, of Kirkhill, maintains his daughters would have been diagnosed earlier had the health authority implemented national guidelines - first published in 2002 - which state that all children aged four or five should have their vision screened by specialist eye experts, or as part of a programme monitored by orthoptists.

NHS Highland is currently the only health authority in Scotland not to offer full screening, while its own head of ophthalmology has warned of inequality within the region and the risk of litigation from parents.

But it has now emerged that the health authority has agreed to identify funding from next August to meet the full guidelines in those areas not covered - including Inverness.

Mr Wilson welcomed the news and praised the Courier for its coverage which he believes has pushed NHS Highland into taking action. "I know they would not have done this, if it had not been made so public," he said. "If NHS Highland had done this four years ago, both my daughters would have perfect eyesight. But because they did not do this both my daughters have very poor eyesight in one of their eyes."

As part of an awareness-raising campaign, Mr Wilson created information posters for display at Kirkhill and Kinmylies primary schools at the start of the current academic year but, following pressure from NHS Highland, they were banned.

Stephen Wilson – 'It is almost as though they hope you will give up and think it is not worth all the hassle.' Gary Anthony

"My motivation was to prevent it happening to any other child, or for any parent to be put in a position especially as it is something which can easily be rectified," he explained.

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson, who has now had a response to an official complaint lodged against NHS Highland regarding his daughters' cases, is considering his next move. "It has been very time-consuming," said Mr Wilson, who has used the Freedom of Information Act to pursue the case.

"It is a very long, laborious process. It is almost as though they hope you will give up and think it is not worth all the hassle."

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant, who took up the issue with health officials, welcomed news that the guidelines will be fully implemented and praised Mr Wilson for his "selfless" campaign.

"Obviously I am very pleased the health authority has made this commitment," she said. "To me, it seemed very strange that it was available all over Scotland but not in one of our areas.

"This change of heart is down to the campaign by Mr Wilson - he would not let it go. He campaigned hard to make sure no other parent has to go through this. It has been a selfless campaign and a well-run campaign."

v.sweeney@inverness-courier.co.uk

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