§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about auto refractors and auto optitesters being used by non-qualified optician staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mellor[holding answer 11 April 1989]: We have received representations from a number of organisatons and individuals about the use of auto refractors and auto optitesters by non-qualified staff. The Opticians Act 1958 provides that sight tests using such instruments may be conducted only by a registered medical practitioner or a registered ophthalmic optician. We have no plans at present to change this requirement.