LASIK EYE TREATMENT

Early day motion 269, tabled 10 December 2003 by Frank Cook (Labour). Signed by 30 members.

That this House recognises the real advances made in recent years in the field of ophthalmic surgery; acknowledges the remarkable gains made in this field by the development of fine laser application; appreciates fully that the adoption of these corrective measures is infinitely more to do with health and safety than with cosmetology; registers admiration for those medical practitioners who have taken the time and trouble to gain proper qualifications and experience before offering their service to their patients, but expresses grave concern that some agencies and individuals regard this field of activity as an opportunity for the Friday afternoon catch-crop approach to collect easy cash without exercising dutiful concern for the welfare of their clientele; and therefore urges Her Majesty's Government and the BMA together with the Royal College of Ophthalmology to introduce as a matter of urgency, specific measures requiring practitioners in this field to undertake approved programmes of formal training and accreditation, gain their qualification, acquire a licence to practise, register formally in an approved manner and submit themselves on a regular basis to a discipline of approved professional monitoring and review.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Liberal Democrat 3, Conservative 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Plaid Cymru 1.