(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Primary Ophthalmic Services Regulations 2008 (“the POS Regulations”), which make provision for who is entitled to primary ophthalmic services eye tests under the National Health Service Act 2006, and the National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Regulations 2013 (“the Charges Regulations”), which provide for a scheme of payments to be made by means of a voucher system in respect of costs incurred by certain persons in connection with eye tests and the supply, replacement and repair of optical appliances.
Regulation 2 amends regulation 3(2)(1) of the POS Regulations to extend eligibility for NHS sight tests to recipients, and certain family members of recipients, of universal credit during the period which starts on 1st November 2013 and ends on 5th April 2014. Regulation 3 amends regulation 8(3)(j) of the Charges Regulations also to extend eligibility for payment vouchers to recipients, and certain family members of recipients, of universal credit during the same period. Both sets of Regulations previously referred to the period starting on 29th April 2013 and ending on 31st October 2013.