Voucher values boosted 2.5%

An increase in the value of optical vouchers has been welcomed by the profession amid 'difficult times'.

The value of NHS vouchers available to children, people on low incomes and individuals with complex sight problems was last week lifted 2.5 per cent. Michael Bateman, chairman of the Optical Fees Review Committee (OFRC), said: 'This is good news for patients and for those of us who are trying to meet their needs in difficult times.'

He added that health minister Earl Howe had stayed true to his word to look into the two-year frozen rate.

Richard Carswell, AOP acting chief executive, said: 'Unlike prescription charges and dental charges, GOS voucher values are a crucial patient benefit which was being steadily eroded leaving opticians in the invidious position of trying to meet the funding gap themselves.