The Health and Social Security Act 1984 and the price of spectacles among corporate practices in the United Kingdom (1980-2007): a review.

摘要: The Health and Social Security Act 1984 deregulated certain aspects of optometry in the United Kingdom, including advertising supply spectacles, hope that greater competition would reduce spectacle prices. effects this legislation are tested by plotting mean prices private spectacles purchased from corporate optometric practices, 1980 to 2007. Historical evidence is used gauge effect on other factors such as National Service (NHS) payments, sight test fees pressure exerted consumer organisations. high reduced markedly throughout rest 1980s, remained low for most 1990s rose between 1999 2003, before falling. Changes price were associated with changes system NHS payments variations fees, but have generally been lower since deregulation dispensing than they before. Although remains heavily influenced factors, opticians' services has benefited public maintaining prices, intended proponents legislation.