(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations further amend the National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Regulations 1997 (“the 1997 Regulations”) and the National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) Regulations 1986 (“the 1986 Regulations”).
The 1997 Regulations provide for a scheme of payments to be made by Health Authorities and NHS Trusts by means of a voucher system in respect of costs incurred by certain categories of persons in connection with sight tests and the supply, replacement and repair of optical appliances.
The 1986 Regulations contain provision for the arrangements for general ophthalmic services under the National Health Service.
Regulations 2 and 3 of these Regulations contain amendments that entitle persons leaving the care of a local authority and who are being wholly or partly maintained by that authority to the supply (and in appropriate cases), replacement and repair of optical appliances in accordance with the 1997 Regulations.
Regulations 4 and 5 contain amendments to the 1986 Regulations so that such persons are entitled to have their sight tested under general ophthalmic services.