§ Dame Jill KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria govern the settlement of the remuneration of contractors who provide general ophthalmic services; and what changes there have been in the criteria in 1993–94 relative to previous years.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNational health service sight test fees are determined by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, following consultation with the profession, in such a way as to ensure that there are adequate general ophthalmic services, of the right calibre. In doing this, regard is had to recruitment, retention and motivation factors, within the amount that can be afforded. These criteria have been used consistently for several years, including 1993–94.
§ Dame Jill KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health by what amount(a) optometrists and (b) ophthalmic medical practitioners providing general ophthalmic services are remunerated for their practice expenses.
§ Dr. MawhinneyOptometrists are currently paid a fee of £12.75 for each national health service sight test they carry out, which covers both pay and expenses. These elements are not considered separately.
Ophthalmic medical practitioners are paid a fee of £10.15. This contains a pay element of £7.53 and an expenses element of £2.62.