Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
913. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the fees paid per patient to optometrists for each eye examination under the Department's optical benefit scheme now; the amount paid in 2008 and 2015; whether she intends increasing this, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33957/24]
View answerTreatment Benefit is a PRSI-based scheme which provides free dental and optical services, and assistance towards the provision of audiological appliances and hair replacement products, to people who satisfy certain qualifying conditions, and to their dependent spouses/partners.
In 2023, €44.7 million was paid in respect of over 1,073,000 treatments eligible under the Optical Benefit Treatment Benefit Scheme with €16.5 million being in respect of Eye examinations.
|
Description |
Fee 2024 |
Fee 2015 |
Fee 2008 |
|
Standard Eye Exam |
€30 |
€22.51 |
€24.47 |
|
Domiciliary Eye Exam |
€60 |
€67.53 |
€73.41 |
|
Exam with dilation |
€45.03 |
€45.02 |
€48.94 |
|
Ophthalmic Medical Exam incl. Dilation |
€51.10 (single fee abolished) |
€25.55€51.10 (double fee) |
€27.77€55.54 (double fee) |
|
Repeat exam, when clinically necessary (max 3) |
€20 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Repeat exam with dilation, when clinically necessary (max 3) |
€30 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Repeat Ophthalmic Medical Exam incl. Dilation (max 3) |
€51.10 |
N/A |
N/A |
A review of the Optical Benefit scheme is ongoing and the Department intends concluding the review in the coming weeks.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
