Roll out a over 8s eyecare programme

• A new Optometrist-led public eye-care programme for 8-16 year olds should be implemented, as there is no public scheme for this age group and this is affecting children’s health and education.
• Children have a statutory right to free eyecare in Irish law. However, there is currently a complete inequity of eye care for children, which is a failure of the State’s obligation.
• Ad-hoc local schemes have arisen which have compounded the geographic inequity and many are forced to pay privately
• A national over 8s programme was costed, an implementation plan approved and funding was ring fenced over 10 years ago, but it has still not been rolled out by the HSE
• This scheme is included in the current Programme for Government and approved at a policy level by the Department of Health.
• It is awaiting funding approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and Optometry Ireland calls for this to be sanctioned urgently.