§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what responsibility(a) the hospital eye service has for the supply of contact lenses to patients for whom they are clinically necessary and (b) the (i) general optical service and (ii) the DSS has in ensuring that such patients can get such contact lenses. [19496]
§ Mr. HoramContact lenses can be supplied for either clinical or cosmetic reasons by an ophthalmic medical practitioner or by an optician practising either in hospital or in the community. Children, people on low incomes, or patients with complex optical needs are entitled to national health service optical vouchers. Patients who are entitled to full help with meeting the costs of their optical appliances, and have a clinical need for contact lenses, will receive them free of charge.