asked the Minister for Health if he will consider granting a refund to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in respect of the cost of an eye test and the purchase of glasses as he is in receipt of a non-contributory old age pension.
Written Answers. - Ophthalmic Services Refund.
56.
In order to ensure that the budget for the adult ophthalmic services scheme is not exceeded the issue of authorisations for sight testing and the supply of spectacles is rigidly controlled by the South Eastern Health Board. The person in question did not await his turn on the waiting list but had a sight test carried out and purchased spectacles privately, without the authorisation of the health board. Health boards do not normally contribute towards the cost of treatment carried out under a private arrangement. However, when the person's name is reached on the health board waiting list for ophthalmic services consideration will be given to the question of making a contribution towards the expenditure incurred.