General Election 2024: Two Public Eyecare asks from Optometrists

Optometrists urge candidates commitment to an over 8s public eyecare programme

Call on parties and candidates to back viable fees for public eyecare schemes

Launching eyecare priorities for General Election 2024 today, Optometry Ireland (OI) has urged parties and candidates to commit to two key public eyecare issues.

1) An over 8s national eyecare programme funded and implemented

2) Viable fees for Optometrists’ public eyecare schemes.

Optometry Ireland (OI) represents 700 Optometrists working in 350 locations nationwide.

1) An over 8s national eyecare programme funded and implemented

OI CEO Sean McCrave said:

“There is complete inequity of eyecare for over 8s across the country. A national programme was costed, a plan approved and funding ring-fenced over 10 years ago, but it has never been implemented by the HSE. In the meantime, some ad-hoc local schemes have arisen which have created a vast geographical inequity.

“A national over 8s eyecare plan has been agreed to by the Department of Health, and the Department submitted this to the Department of Public Expenditure for funding approval which continues to be awaited.

2) Viable fees for public eyecare schemes

Mr McCrave also highlighted the need for viable fees for public eyecare provided by Optometrists.

“The HSE Medical Card fee paid to Optometrists is €22.51 and the Department of Social Protection fee under PRSI is €30. However, an average break even cost of providing a modern eye examination is €96. Both schemes are currently non-viable, in breach of contract regarding stagnant fees – and some Optometrists have withdrawn.

“Detailed submissions on both schemes have been to the Departments of Health and Social Protection. And both Departments and the HSE agree that it must be addressed. It would cost €16m to secure both schemes. However, after much and ongoing discussions, nothing has yet been  delivered.

There were 32,832 outpatients awaiting eye-care appointments at the end of December 2023, and 8,678 inpatients were awaiting eye procedures – one of the largest of any medical speciality. Between 2020 and 2022 the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) eye-care costs increased from €10.5m to €21.7m.

In conclusion Sean McCrave said: “Optometrists’ asks align with Sláintecare. Public eyecare via community Optometrists is a key approach to providing affordable and accessible care, as our population increases and ages. Outsourcing of eye-care (mainly to Northern Ireland) should stop. Our domestic capacity should be fully utilised and invested in.”

Further Information

Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.