asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether proposals for the regulation of the practice of sight-testing in Saorstát Eireann have been laid before him, and, if so, whether as a result of such proposals he intends to introduce proposals for legislation for that object.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sight-Testing Regulations.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. After careful consideration I am not satisfied that State registration of opticians is desirable. The main objection to the recognition of opticians as an independent body apart from the medical profession, is that ophthalmoscopic examination by an ophthalmic surgeon often reveals diseases of the eye and general system that would not be detected by an optician.
Does the Minister not consider, in the interest of public health, that there ought to be some registration of traders selling glasses? I think it is generally agreed that throughout the country there is considerable damage done to the eye-sight of poor persons by people without any training being allowed to deal in and sell glasses without a prescription and without any guarantee that the eye-sight will be preserved?
The matter has been fully considered, and I am not prepared to consider the introduction of legislation to make up any kind of register of opticians at present.