Medical Cards

Tuesday, 4 March 2025

Questions (689)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

689. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the amount paid per patient to opticians who are contracted to see medical card patients; her views on whether there should be a difference in the amount paid to an optician versus an ophthalmic surgeon, where in the case of the ophthalmic surgeon, who is also contracted by the HSE to see medical card patients, does extra by dilating the patient and doing a full retinal examination, thus helping to shorten waiting lists and identifying health issues at an early stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9307/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS) is a national fee-per-item scheme which was introduced in 1979. Under the COSS, medical card holders aged over 16 years can be seen by ophthalmologists, optometrists or dispensing opticians. Eligible patients can receive an eye examination and be provided with prescribed optical appliances in accordance with a national schedule of approved optical appliances.

The Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians) Regulations 2013 (SI 274 of 2013) sets out the fees for ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians providing services under the COSS, including differential payments for eye examinations conducted by optometrists and ophthalmologists, and for a medical eye examination conducted by an ophthalmologist.