asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the great dissatisfaction felt by persons who obtain optical appliances, either through his Department or through local health services, because of the poor types of frames supplied and the excessive charges made for other than standard frames; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Optical Appliances.
22.
Optical appliances are not supplied through my Department.
I do not accept that great dissatisfaction is felt by eligible persons supplied with spectacles under the health authority ophthalmic services on the grounds that the type of frame supplied is poor.
Up to fairly recently, only plain nickel-frame spectacles were supplied by health authorities but for some years past I have urged health authorities to provide a less austere type of frame. All health authorities, with a single exception, now supply nickel beaufort frames to both adults and children under their ophthalmic services; these frames are made of nickel, with shell covering of the rims and side pieces. They are of good quality and reasonable attractiveness. In an effort to introduce greater diversity of type, however, some months ago I caused health authorities to be informed that I would have no objection to the supply of plastic-framed spectacles under their service when such frames can be obtained without undue additional cost.
There is no provision under the health authority ophthalmic service for the supply of spectacle frames other than the standard types currently in use. There is some evidence that a limited number of people purchase other type frames privately on their own responsibility from the official contractors, but if they choose to do so, I do not feel that I have any obligation to take special steps to protect their interests.
Is the Minister aware that people who are getting services through the local authorities find the type of frames being issued absolutely useless, that they are something which those people are not prepared to wear and that as much as £4. 15s. is being charged for frames for spectacles which are in fact supposed to be issued free to the poorer classes?
I am not sure I follow the drift of the Deputy's questions clearly. First of all, I find it hard to believe that frames, the main purpose of which is to hold spectacle lenses in position, are useless. Is that not the purpose of the frames—to hold the lenses in position? I do not think it is fair to expect the public services to bear the cost of particular types of frames people might want to add to their appearance or heighten their attractiveness.
I am well aware that the Minister and people like him do need such appliances. I am talking about the type of frames required to keep spectacle lenses in place. Is the Minister not well aware that the frames issued under the services are so bad that in fact they have been found to be absolutely useless and that the only alternative is frames which cost up to £4 15s.?
A right frame-up.
One could buy better frames in Woolworths.
Woolworths give good value.
The Minister does not go there.
I should prefer to go there than to put the public services to the expense——
That is the answer of a real Mr. Bumble.