Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Regulations 2013 (“the 2013 Regulations”), which provide for payments to be made to eligible persons to meet or contribute towards the cost incurred for the supply, replacement or repair of optical appliances (glasses and contact lenses), or to contribute towards the cost of a sight test.

Regulation 24 of the 2013 Regulations allows payments to be made to a person who pays for the supply, replacement or repair of an optical appliance, without exercising their right under the 2013 Regulations to a payment to meet or contribute towards the cost incurred. A claim for a payment under regulation 24 must be made to the National Health Service Commissioning Board (known as NHS England). These regulations amend regulation 24 to remove reference to a claim being made to the Secretary of State.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.