§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make it his policy to require ophthalmic opticians to carry out tests for glaucoma and other identifiable conditions when carrying out a routine National Health Service sight test on any person over 40 years and on any person with a family history of any of these diseases.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe use of ophthalmoscopy for the detection of glaucoma and other indentifiable diseases is already part of the routine sight test carried out under the general ophthalmic service (GOS). There is also a requirement on GOS practitioners to inform the patient's doctor if any abnormality is detected in the course of the sight test. We are satisfied that these arrangements provide the necessary safeguards for patients.