§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking to implement facilities for orthoptists to deal with special needs children in conjunction with education authorities. [16594]
§ Mr. BowisThe Education Act 1993 introduced a duty on health authorities and national health service trusts to co-operate with local education authorities in the assessment of children with special educational needs. A 713W code of practice issued under the Act emphasises the need for external consultation when children are suspected of having visual difficulties and there are well-established arrangements within child health services for referral to orthoptists and, where necessary, ophthalmologists.