Vol. 456 No. 3
66 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the VHI provides cover for people with serious blindness who require laser surgery treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13716/95]
Limerick East): I understand that the VHI provides both hospital and consultant benefits to its members who suffer from serious diseases of the eye which can lead to blindness. This cover includes benefit for laser surgery for specified conditions. However, benefit is not provided for laser procedures for the treatment of shortsightedness or longsightedness which are available as a replacement for the wearing of glasses and contact lenses.
