§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of people pay for(a) eye tests and (b) dental examinations: (i) currently and (ii) before the current charging policy began; and what is the average charge for each currently.
§ Mr. MellorWe do not have information on the percentage of people receiving sight tests or dental examinations since 1 April 1989 who have paid a charge. There was no charge for sight tests or dental examinations before that date. An ophthalmic optician who carries out a sight test under the general ophthalmic service receives a fee of £10.40 from the family practitioner committee, and an ophthalmic medical practitioner a fee of £8.69. Charges to patients for private sight tests are a matter for the ophthalmic profession. The current charge to a patient for a clinical examination under the general dental service is £3.15. For both types of examination, certain groups of the population are exempt from charges, and others are entitled to help with the costs of private sight tests.