Vol. 512 No. 8
70 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if the holder of a medical card is entitled to all optical services from the South Eastern Health Board; and, if so, if he will give details of the services available. [27490/99]
Since July of this year all health boards are operating a revised ophthalmic scheme for adult medical card holders and their adult dependants. Under this scheme each health board has established panels of private practitioners to conduct eye examinations and to supply spectacles or contact lenses where prescribed. The South Eastern Health Board advises that in addition to this sight testing scheme medical card holders are entitled to optical services which are provided by the board's community ophthalmic physicians. Referrals for this service come mainly from general practitioners and the service provides for the investigation and treatment of all medical eye problems. These include refraction, cataract, squints, glaucoma and eye problems associated with diabetes.
