(1)Section 31 of the [1989 c. 44.] Opticians Act 1989 (matters with respect to which the General Optical Council may make rules) is amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (5) (power to make rules requiring registered optician to refer persons to registered medical practitioners except in certain circumstances), for the words from “except” to “take the prescribed steps” substitute “except—
(a)in an emergency,
(b)where that person is consulting him for the purpose of being given treatment in accordance with rules under subsection (l)(d) above, or
(c)in such other cases as may be prescribed,
take the prescribed steps”.
(3)After subsection (5), insert—
“(5A)Rules made by virtue of subsection (5)(c) may impose conditions which must be satisfied if the exception for which those rules provide is to apply.”