Medicare program; coverage of optometrists' services--HCFA. Final regulations

These regulations conform existing Medicare regulations to a statutory change that expanded Medicare coverage of services furnished by optometrists to include examination services related to the condition of aphakia (absence of the natural crystalline lens of the eye). Existing regulations limit coverage of optometrists' services to dispensing services in connection with the actual fitting and provision of prosthetic lenses. The regulations are based on section 937 of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-499).