Welsh talks focus on test funding

As reported (News, September 8) the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians and the Association of Optometrists met with representatives of the Assembly's Health Committee on Friday to discuss the proposal, which would be outside the GOS. FODO general secretary Bob Hughes told optician: 'It was a productive meeting. We're seeking to clarify the exact details of what they're suggesting and who would be eligible.' The Assembly's finance secretary approved the allocation of funds last December to enable an extension on free eye tests to be implemented from October 1 2000, subject to relevant approval. This extension applies to groups including ethnic minorities, people with hearing impairments, 16-19 year olds not in full-time education, uniocular people and those who have been referred to an optometrist by their GP. Mr Hughes said the optical bodies were providing information as to how the Assembly could fund its proposal. He said it had been made clear that practitioners would be paid for this new type of sight test. 'There's a lot of work to do yet and they're [the Welsh Assembly] keen to bring in this proposal,' said Mr Hughes. 'We're keen to help, provided we think it's a reasonable thing to do and it's paid properly.' - The Welsh Assembly is to meet next month to discuss FODO's suggestions.