Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1021. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if children over the age of 12 years will be made eligible for free glass under the medical card scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides optical services to children referred into the HSE community ophthalmic service from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have sight problems. These children are referred to the appropriate consultant for treatment. Following referral, the HSE provides eye examinations and glasses, if necessary, to children up to the age of 12, irrespective of medical card eligibility. Children aged 12-16 who have a medical card or are the dependent of a medical card holder can also receive eye examinations and glasses, as needed.
Under the Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS), medical card holders or their dependents (aged over 12 years) can be seen by local ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic physicians, 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.
