Voucher value rises of 2.5%

An increase of 2.5 per cent in NHS voucher values will come into force in England from April 1.

Single vision under voucher A, of a spherical power of more than six dioptres with a cylindrical power of not more than two dioptres, will go up from 32.90 to 33.70.

Voucher B, of a spherical power of not more than six dioptres but less than 10 with a cylindrical power of not more than six dioptres, or of a spherical power of less than 10 with a cylindrical power of two to six dioptres, will go up from 50 to 51.20.

Voucher C spectacles will go up from 73.10 to 74.90 and voucher D spectacles will rise from 165 to 169.10. Bifocal lenses under voucher E will go up from 56.80 to 58.20, under voucher F from 72.20 to 74, under voucher G from 93.60 to 95.90, and under voucher H from 181.40 to 185.90.

Spectacles under voucher I, will go up from 169 to 173.20. Contact lenses prescribed by NHS Trust practitioners will go up from 48 to 49.20.

Other details include small glasses supplement now 55.50, HES service vouchers 173.20, special facial characteristics supplement 55.50 and patient payment 49.20 per lens.