§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the increase in lens charges from £8.30 to £15.00, he will review the way charges are made so as to assist those with the most serious eye defects such as the post-cataract bifocal group, who are normally charged at the highest rates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThose with the most serious eye defects, who are on low incomes or are children, will be safeguarded as the present arrangements for assistance with charges will continue. However, it would not be appropriate to offer remission of charges to people with certain types of eye defect without having regard to the164W resources available to them to meet those charges. On the most expensive lenses the £15 maximum charge will still represent a saving to the patient of over £10 for each lens.