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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Ophthalmic Service

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1086 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who is the holder of a medical card, had to pay ?40 for an eye test in April 2002; if this person is entitled to get this money back; and if so, the timeframe in this regard. [16345/02]

The ophthalmic service schemes operated by the health boards entitle all adult medical card holders to sight tests and appliances, where appropriate, free of charge. I have been advised by the Western Health Board that it has not introduced any fee for services under the schemes. Therefore in the normal course of events eye tests are free of charge to all medical cards holders.

However, if the test is for a non-clinical purpose, such as to support a renewal application for a driving test, a charge may be levied since such tests are outside the scope of the scheme.

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