§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's assessment is of the(a) effectiveness of laser eye surgery as an alternative to glasses and (b) risks involved; whether he has plans to introduce such treatment on the national health service; and if he will make a statement. [34899]
§ Ms BlearsLaser surgery is not available under the national health service. Refractive errors can be successfully corrected by spectacles and contact lenses and optical vouchers are available to children and people on low incomes to help with the cost of these appliances. I understand that research shows that surgery is effective in treating selected patients with refractive errors and that research continues into the long-term effects.