Optometrists Warn Against Cap On Eyecare Vouchers

Optometrists have come out strongly against a government plan to cap the amount of money elderly people are given in vouchers to pay for their eyecare, saying it could be detrimental to people's health.

Sources say if the change is approved, those eligible for the vouchers will only be able to spend up to HK$1,000 on optical services every two years.

Several optometrist groups held talks with the Food and Health Bureau on Friday afternoon, and they complained that the move would amount to discrimination against their profession.

Dr Vincent Ng, president of the Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists, said elderly people could also be put off from seeking help for their eye problems.

"We don't want to restrict the elderly to [only] having a primary eyecare examination. The cap amount is too low," he said, adding that more detailed checks would be needed to detect some eye conditions.

Ng said officials simply listened to their views during the meeting, but did not actively respond to their concerns.

He warned that the groups may have to resort to more "radical" action if the government insists on pushing ahead with the cap.