Shane Moynihan
Ceist:495. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if she will introduce independent prescribing legislation for qualified optometrists [15739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 February 2026
Ceisteanna (495)
Freagraí scríofa
Optometrists are trained and equipped to prescribe and dispense spectacles and to examine the health of the eyes. They can diagnose eye conditions, and they can treat some eye conditions. People who require further investigations or treatments which are not under the scope of practice of optometry can be referred to secondary eyecare ophthalmology clinics. An ophthalmologist is a medically trained practitioner who has specialised in the ophthalmic area to manage / treat medical ocular conditions and eye disease.
The system of controls around prescribing and dispending of prescription controlled medicinal products for human use (excepting those products subject to additional parameters under the Misuse of Drugs Acts and Regulations) is derived from the framework of Directive 2001/83/EC and Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 and is implemented nationally by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003-2022.
These regulations apply an up-to-date and comprehensive system of control to medicinal products and particularise those products which may be supplied on medical prescription, and those that may be supplied without prescription by or under the supervision of a qualified optometrist.
CORU, the regulator for health workers and social care professionals, is satisfied that the current provisions under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), together with the Standards of Proficiency and Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Optometrists, provide an appropriate framework for optometrists to prescribe and administer a limited range of controlled medicines. CORU is committed to enabling the professions it regulates, including optometrists, to deliver the highest standards of care and contribute to delivery of Sláintecare.
The Department of Health is committed to the ethos of ensuring that the right care is delivered in the right place and at the right time for all citizens and recognises that all healthcare professionals have a role to play in optimising patient care and service delivery in line with this vision. This includes supporting health care professionals to practice at the top of their license.