Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
907. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the body or bodies within the health system which are responsible for collecting data on vision impairment; if this function rests with the HSE, her Department, or any other statutory agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3448/26]
View answerSeveral State bodies collect data on vision impairment. The Health Service Executive collects data in respect of eyecare services provided to eligible patients. The Department of Social Protection collects data in respect of eyecare services provided under the Optical Benefit Scheme. The Central Statistics Office collects census data on disabilities prevalent in the Irish population, including vision impairment.
In addition, some voluntary organisations, such as Vision Ireland and Fighting Blindness, collect data in relation to vision impairment.
