N.H.S. Spectacles
SIR,—Mr. Black and I must clearly agree to differ. He evidently believes that the National Health Service should provide his customers with " articles of dress"; whilst I feel that, in our present financial straits, it is more fitting that patients should be given spectacles at the minimum cost compatible with efficiency. By all means let us wear the spectacles of our choice, but let us expect from the State a contribution equal only to the price of the simple frames and lenses which should be provided by the Health Service. A contributory scheme such as this has already been found to work satisfactorily in this country by the Approved Societies, and is, of course, the method adopted today in the social security service in France.
In the matter of Mark III spectacles I must suppose Mr. Black to be genuinely misinformed. That they were not intended to be decorative is readily apparent, but that they fulfilled their purpose as efficient optical aids is clearly beyond reasonable doubt. If their Service record were not enough, I am sure that other war-time ophthalmic specialists, as well as the not inconsiderable number of persons who continue to use them, could testify to this. However, they are not necessarily the appropriate spectacles for Health Service dispensing, nor have I suggested that they
are. Alternatives are already provided in a Specifying Statement under Regulation 3 of the Health Act, and the provision here for the supply of such glasses will, I assume, be accepted by Mr. Black as evidence of their
suitability for civilian usc.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, F.R.C.S.
Ophthalmic Surgeon.
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