§ 117. Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has regarding the number of referrals by opticians to eye consultants in the periods 1 April to 31 December 1988 and in the same period in 1989.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe do not collect this information. Opticians normally refer patients to their general practitioner if, as a result of an eye examination, they suspect disease, abnormality or injury. The general practitioner may then refer the patient on to the hospital eye service, if appropriate.