HC Deb 28 March 1960 vol 620 cc946-8
40. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Health what action he will take to ensure that all opticians provide proper and detailed receipts, on the official Forms O.S.C.15 and H.E.S.2., for all payments received from patients under the National Health Service, and that National Health Service forms are not used for private transactions in frames or lenses, and so mislead patients that these are National Health Service payments, when they are not.

Miss Pitt

Opticians providing supplementary ophthalmic services were reminded by a circular in November last that Form O.S.C. 15 should be issued in receipt for payments made under the Service but should not be used for private transactions. My right hon. and learned Friend will take a convenient opportunity of bringing the same point to their notice in respect of Form H.E.S.2.

Commander Pursey

Is the Minister aware that a large number of opticians do not give any receipts for National Health Service payments at all, and that others give receipts for professional services only, with no details? Is he aware that, as a result of this, prescriptions for lenses and other claims for payment from the National Health Service cannot be compared with receipts, and that there is no check on the work actually done by the opticians?

Miss Pitt

It is part of the opticians' terms of service under the supplementary ophthalmic service that they should supply a receipt for payments under the regulations for the supply of glasses. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular cases in mind where this has not been done, I would refer him to the advice given in an earlier debate to put them up to the executive council.

Dr. Summerskill

Can the hon. Lady say whether there is any system of checking similar to that used in regard to the supervision of prescribing by chemists?

Miss Pitt

All prescriptions are sent to the executive council, and have to be authorised by it before, in fact, the spectacles can be supplied.

41. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the usual life of National Health Service spectacle lenses and frames, respectively; and whether there is a defined period after which spectacles can be replaced for the standard price of £1 10s. 3d.

Miss Pitt

Lenses should normally last until there is a change of prescription. Frames should with reasonable care last longer. Further glasses at the standard National Health Service charge may be obtained at any time, if there is a change of prescription following a sight test.

Commander Pursey

Is the position that, if there is a change in the prescription after two years, new spectacles can be obtained for £1 10s. 3d., but if an old-age pensioner's eyes have not changed after five years but his lenses are chipped and his frames damaged by ordinary usage, he has to pay for replacements and repairs or the full price for a new pair of spectacles? What is the period after which a new pair of spectacles will be provided as the result of fair wear and tear?

Miss Pitt

The period varies with the individual. For example, some patients need changes of lenses more frequently, and children outgrow their frames. On the average, I am advised, there is a change of prescription after about four years under the supplementary ophthalmic service, and patients may apply at any time for a further sight test.

Mr. Hendry

Is my hon. Friend aware I got a new pair of spectacles last week after less than two years?