Vol. 511 No. 6
281 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that considerable delays can occur in processing applications for glasses or renewal of glasses for medical card holders; and the plans, if any, he has to streamline the necessary approval process. [25014/99]
Earlier this year agreement was reached between health boards and the Association of Optometrists on a revised 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 examin ations and to supply spectacles or contact lenses where prescribed. Applications for services are processed by the health boards within one month. In 1999 the sum of £1.5 million was made available to health boards to facilitate the transition to the revised scheme.
Information received from the health boards indicates that, with the exception of one board, the new scheme is operating satisfactorily and applications are being processed within the agreed time period of one month. My Department is liaising with this board in relation to this matter.
