HC Deb 13 May 1954 vol 527 c1410
12. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health how often a person may have his sight examined under the supplementary ophthalmic service.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

As often as necessary, but ophthalmic medical practitioners and ophthalmic opticians were asked in 1950 not to repeat a test within a year except where there was special reason for doing so.

Mr. Johnson

Is the hon. Lady aware that one large executive council on the South Coast is telling its doctors not to examine patients more than once in 12 months? Will she take action in this matter if I give her particulars of the case?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The general instructions were that practitioners should secure the permission of the Ophthalmic Services Committee where there had been a previous sight test within the year, except in urgent cases, or cases notified to the patient's doctor as subject to further examination. If the cases which the hon. Member has in mind come into that second category I shall be only too happy to look into the matter.