The Government has signalled a 10 per cent rise in the value of optical vouchers C, D, G and H in England. In most cases, other optical vouchers will increase by 2.5 per cent from April 1 2004.
The rises were included in a written ministerial statement by health minister Rosie Winterton who announced prescription charges would rise 10p.
'The majority of optical voucher values will increase by 2.5 per cent to help children and people on low income with the cost of spectacles or contact lenses.
'In recognition of the greater costs which people with high prescription lenses may face, vouchers for these individuals will increase by 10 per cent.'
Optical voucher values in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are a matter for their devolved administrations.