2. In regulation 9 of the principal Regulations (issue of vouchers by ophthalmic medical practitioners or opticians) —
(a)after paragraph (1B), insert the following paragraph—
“(1C) Where a patient has indicated—
(a)that he is an eligible person by virtue of regulation 8(2)(a) or (b); and
(b)that he requires an additional optical appliance of the same prescription because either—
(i)he is suffering from illness and as a consequence of that illness requires such an appliance, or
(ii)the issue of such an appliance is required as a result of his exceptional circumstances,
the ophthalmic medical practitioner or optician may issue to the patient, in accordance with paragraph (2) but subject to paragraph (5), a voucher relating to the optical appliance prescribed by the prescription.”;
(b)for paragraph (5) substitute the following paragraph—
“(5) No voucher shall be issued as provided for by paragraph (1C) unless the responsible authority is satisfied, after making such enquiries as it considers relevant, that the patient’s requirement for an additional optical appliance of the same prescription arose as a consequence of the patient’s illness, or for such other reason that it accepts as being exceptional in the circumstances of the patient’s case.”
(c)after paragraph (5) insert the following paragraph—
“(6) Unless paragraph (1A), (1C) or regulation 11 applies, not more than one voucher shall be issued to a patient in respect of any one optical appliance prescribed.”.