DOCTORS, DENTISTS AND OPTICIANS

Registering

Before sixteen, you can only decide about your own health care if doctors think you are capable of understanding what's involved. When you are sixteen, however, you may decide about your own health care. Anything you say to your doctor is private.

To register with a doctor, simply go along to a surgery (you could check out with your friends and family which doctors they use) and ask to be put on the list. If the practice is full, or you can't find a GP, contact your local health authority, who will allocate you to one.

Dentists are listed in the telephone directory. To register, simply go along to your chosen practice. But beware, many dentists nowadays accept only private patients - you may have to search quite hard.

Costs

Both GP and hospital services are free to everyone.

Medicines on prescription are free for:

• Everyone under 16
• Full time students up to the age of 19
• People on income support
• Pregnant women Dental treatment under the health service is free for:
• Everyone under 18
• Full time students up to the age of 19
• People on income support
• Pregnant women

Opticians

You should have your eyes tested once a year. These are free for:

• Everyone under 16
• Full time students up to the age of 19
• People on income support
• Pregnant women

If you do need glasses, the optician will give you a prescription. You don't need to buy glasses from the optician who tested you, so shop around for the best deal. If you fall into one of the categories listed above, you'll also get vouchers towards the cost of the glasses or contact lenses you need.