asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding the choice of optician scheme for eligible adults in the Western Health Board area; the number of people seeking authorisations for a sight test and glasses; and if money will be provided to allow this scheme to continue.
Written Answers. - Optician Scheme Eligibility.
142.
The choice of optician scheme for eligible adults has been suspended by the Western Health Board due to a shortage of funds. However, a service continues to be available through the health board's community ophthalmic scheme. A waiting list is maintained but priority is given to persons with a medical condition of the eye, the elderly and the handicapped. At present there are 2,484 persons on the waiting list for sight tests. It is not possible to say how many of these will require glasses. The possibility of resuming the choice of optician scheme will be examined by the Western Health Board in the light of its budget allocation for 1986.