asked the Minister for Health the number of opticians engaged in the supply of glasses in Dublin city under the medical card scheme; and the number of choices of frames available to applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Spectacle Supplies.
22.
The provision of glasses for medical card holders and their dependants in the Dublin area is primarily the responsibility of the Eastern Health Board. I understand from the board that there is one optician under contract to supply glasses to such persons, for whom glasses are prescribed. I am also advised that a standard plastic frame, available in either of two colours, is supplied.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether one optician is sufficient to supply the needs of Dublin in this respect especially since there is a long waiting list? In regard to the choice of colour, would the Parliamentary Secretary consider making available a wider choice as most people who qualify for those glasses select alternative frames because they know that, otherwise, the glasses would be easily identifiable as having been acquired by way of the medical card system?
Glasses are supplied by the contracting optician within two or three weeks of orders being placed but this period is shortened in cases of urgency.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if contact lenses are available on the health service for those who suffer from certain eye conditions and where ordinary glasses would not be suitable?
That is a separate question.
It is a separate question but I understand that in circumstances such as those outlined by the Deputy, contact lenses would be supplied.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if a contract for glasses is given by way of the lowest tender?
Yes.