54(1)Section 115 (duty relating to primary ophthalmic services) is amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (1), for the words from the beginning to “area,” substitute “The Board must exercise its powers so as to secure the provision throughout England”.
(3)After that subsection insert—
“(1A)Arrangements made for the purposes of subsection (1) may include arrangements for the performance of a service outside England.”
(4)For subsection (4) substitute—
“(4)The Board may (in addition to any other power conferred on it) make such arrangements for the provision of primary ophthalmic services as it considers appropriate; and it may, in particular, make contractual arrangements with any person.
(4A)Arrangements made for the purposes of subsection (4) may include arrangements for the performance of a service outside England.”
(5)In subsection (5), for “Each Primary Care Trust” substitute “The Board”.
(6)Omit subsection (6).
(7)In subsection (9), in paragraph (b), for “(d)” substitute “(e)”.
(8)For the cross-heading preceding that section substitute “Duty of the Board in relation to primary ophthalmic services”.