§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of patients obtaining complex lenses under National Health Service pay more than the cost of the supply of the lenses.
§ Mr. NewtonThe supply of optical appliances under the general opthalmic service ceased from 1 July 1986. Spectacles are now purchased privately but the users of complex lenses receive financial help through the new spectacle voucher scheme. It is estimated that in the period 1 July to 30 September approximately 2.5 per cent. of vouchers were for complex lenses.
Information is not available centrally on the number of patients for whom complex lenses are dispensed under the hospital eye service.