Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
708. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health to outline the progress to date on the Programme for Government commitment to make eye care services more accessible to everyone; and to review the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53924/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra711. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health her plans to introduce and expand access to medical retinal procedures within the public health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53931/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 711 together.
In 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.
The Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme was established in 2004 as a pilot project in response to an identified need. The scheme engages four practices across seven locations to provide medical and minor surgical care to patients outside of the acute care setting. This allows hospitals and eye clinics to focus on treating more complex conditions.
The HSE advise that a detailed evaluation of the operation of the Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme is needed before it is extended further.
The Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future contains commitments to review the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology and the Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme. Engagement with relevant stakeholders regarding this is ongoing.
