§ Mr. Loydenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions his Department has given to opticians in the National Health Service on advising patients of the cost and the alternatives when choosing lenses and frames for spectacles.
§ Mr. MoyleThe advice given by an optician to his patient must be largely634W governed by professional ethics and judgment. My Department has, however, through the professional organisations, encouraged opticians to ensure that the patient knows what is available under the NHS, and has asked them to display and stock examples of the full range of NHS spectacle frames and show patients those frames most suitable for them. Following the Price Commission's recommendations in its Report* on the Prices of Private Spectacles and Contact Lenses, I am considering what further might be done via the profession to make patients aware of the NHS range of frames and my Department is also preparing an information leaflet about the NHS general ophthalmic services. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection is holding discussions with the optical profession about the display of prices of private-supplied spectacle frames and lenses so that patients can be better informed.
* Report No. 20 published in September 1976.