asked the Minister for Social Welfare if in view of the difficulty in rural Ireland of contacting and consulting ophthalmic surgeons, he will consider permitting national health insurance contributors to consult registered ophthalmic opticians.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ophthalmic Surgeons and Opticians.
10.
I am not aware that difficulty is experienced by insured persons in rural Ireland in contacting and consulting ophthalmic surgeons for the purpose of the Optical Benefit Scheme. If the Deputy will furnish details of the cases he has in mind, I will have the matter examined with a view to remedying the position.
The Minister for Health has had representations from the Association of Ophthalmic Opticians in the matter of recognition of ophthalmic opticians for sight-testing purposes under State schemes generally but, in view of the considerable difficulties involved, a final decision has not yet been reached in the matter
Question No. 11 postponed.