Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
941. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if she will consider establishing a National Ophthalmology Audit, similar to those in orthopaedics, ICU, and dementia care, given that cataract surgery is the most common elective procedure in Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52124/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017, the Health Service Executive (HSE) published a National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology, which set out a model of care regarding how the realignment of eye services from an acute hospital setting to the community would be undertaken.
The HSE has been developing multidisciplinary Integrated Eye Care Teams in accordance with this model of care. These teams facilitate assessment, diagnoses, management and treatment and in some cases pre-op/post-op care enabling most patients to be seen in their own locality. Where necessary, patients can be referred onwards to acute Ophthalmology services to receive the necessary specialist input.
This model of care also details that a clinical governance framework must be put in place to support the provision of quality services by ensuring integrated care via clear referral pathways and formalised networks, and enabling a culture of continuous quality improvement.
As the clinical governance framework is a service matter, I have also asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
