The National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Regulations 2013

Redemption value of voucher for supply of optical appliances

15.—(1) Where an optical appliance was supplied otherwise than under the 2006 Act the redemption value of a voucher is, subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), the lesser of—

(a) the full cost which would have been payable by the person for the supply but for this Part; or

(b) the face value of the voucher.

(2) Where an optical appliance was supplied under the 2006 Act, the redemption value of a voucher is, subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), the lesser of—

(a) the amount of the charge for the time being determined pursuant to regulation 2 which would have been payable by the person for the supply but for this Part; or

(b) the face value of the voucher.

(3) In relation to payments to be made because of a person’s eligibility by virtue of regulation 8(2)(d), the amounts taken for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) and (b) or paragraph (2)(a) and (b) must be reduced by the amount of the patient contribution.

(4) Where the person was an eligible person only because a prescription was issued to them for a complex appliance, the redemption value of a voucher shall be the minimum complex appliance payment, except that where—

(a) the appliance was supplied under the 2006 Act; and

(b) in accordance with directions made by the Secretary of State and pursuant to regulation 2(1), the amount of any charge made for the supply would, but for any maximum charge specified in the directions, have exceeded by any amount the charge actually made,

the redemption value must be reduced by the amount of the excess.