Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:179 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the degree to which sight testing is available to all age groups under the General Medical Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter [5745/00]
Written Answers. - Ophthalmic Service.
The provision of ophthalmic services is a matter in the first instance for the health boards. Ophthalmic services, including sight testing and dispensing of spectacles, are provided free of charge by health boards for medical card holders and their dependants. Adult medical card holders and their adult dependants can avail of sight testing and dispensing services provided by private optometrists and dispensing opticians under contract to the health boards. Sight testing services for children are provided through health board clinics.