HC Deb 28 February 1928 vol 214 c198
22. Sir WILLIAM EDGE (for Sir ROBERT HAMILTON)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the qualifications required by the Scottish Board of Health for their medical officers who examine applicants for pension under the Blind Persons Act, 1920?

Sir J. GILMOUR

In appointing medical officers to their staff the Scottish Board of Health do not require candidates to possess special qualifications in ophthalmology other than the course now obligatory in the medical curriculum. But the majority of the present staff have had special experience in eye work, and in view of the special conditions of industrial blindness the whole medical staff have undergone a course of instruction by a consultant ophthalmologist directed to the peculiar problems arising under the Blind Persons Act. When cases presenting exceptional difficulty are reported, the Board authorise the employment of an eye specialist.