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Nhs (Children's Spectacles)

Volume 33: debated on Wednesday 1 December 1982

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost of providing spectacles with shatter-proof glass under the National Health Service for children of school age.

It is extremely doubtful whether any lens is truly shatter-proof, but toughened or laminated glass lenses are more resistant to impact. To provide these for all children who presently get free lenses under the general ophthalmic services would cost an additional £2·4 million or £4·3 million, respectively, per year in England. Parents may choose to have toughened or laminated glass lenses for their children on payment of the additional cost.Any type of lens may be prescribed by a consultant in the hospital eye service if he considers there is a clinical need.