§ Dr. John Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how and under what conditions children may be prescribed plastic lenses in the National Health Service; what publicity and information is available to the public about the provision of plastic lenses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungPlastic bifocal, lenticular single vision and lenticular bifocal lenses are available under the general ophthalmic services to everyone, including children, who needs them. In addition, since December 1978, children up to age 18 with such poor sight that they need one or both lenses in powers of 6 dioptres or more can be supplied with plastic single vision lenses, which are much lighter than glass in these powers. Plastic lenses are free in circumstances in which glass lenses would be free, and in other cases supplied at the normal charge.
752Wauthorities, for each of the past five years, together with projected expenditure per head of the population for each of the next three years.
§ Sir George YoungThe information requested for the years 1974–75 to 1979–80 is given in the attached table.
The information requested is not available for 1980–81 and 1981–82.
The Department does not publicise all the different types of lenses available under the general ophthalmic services as ophthalmic medical practitioners and opticians have a professional responsibility to advise patients on the type of lens most appropriate to their needs.