HC Deb 16 January 1984 vol 52 cc132-3W
Mr. Ground

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what, on the basis of the latest figures available, is the current average gross annual income from the National Health Service of an ophthalmic optician.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Information is not available in the form requested. We estimate, however, on the basis of the sight test and dispensing fees due for 1982, that the average annual income from the National Health Service for an ophthalmic optician's practice would have been £17,559. This excludes the reimbursement of the cost of frames and lenses supplied.