Voucher values

optician November 18 included an article on dispensing for complex prescriptions.

The article told us that 'the voucher value for a complex bifocal lens is determined by the distance prescription only; the reading addition is ignored, except when it is over 4 dioptres more powerful than the distance segment'. However, it omitted to tell us how to determine voucher values when the reading addition is over 4 dioptres more powerful.

Just to clarify this point for your readers, the current regulations state: 'The voucher appropriate to bifocal spectacles is to be determined by the power of the reading prescription where the add is more than 4 dioptres. For all prescriptions with an add of 4 dioptres of power and below, the voucher will continue to be determined solely by the power of the distance prescription.'

The previous regulations were changed to this version in 1999 (HSC 1999/051), specifically to help people with poor reading vision. It is important to stress this point, so that these vulnerable patients are not disadvantaged or denied their statutory provision.
Graham J Ackers
Chairman
The Optical Voucher Consultative Committee

Jungle eyewear

Regarding the article Framed! on Carol Thatcher in the December 16 issue, I notice that on her many TV appearances since winning 'Queen of the Jungle' Carol Thatcher has not once been seen wearing glasses, and her appearance has improved markedly as a result. Presumably she is now wearing contact lenses.

She is to be congratulated not only on her choice of appliance but also on not wearing contact lenses when in the less than hygienic conditions in the jungle. However someone seems to have missed the opportunity to fit her in a pair of extended wear silicone hydrogels for the two weeks.
Maybe if the glasses were just for an 'emergency' perhaps she baulked at the cost of 'cutting edge' designer frames!
John Parker