Written answers
Thursday, 16 May 2024
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Departmental Schemes
Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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206. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is aware that the fees paid to optometrists providing eyecare under her Department’s adult eyecare schemes are inadequate and do not reflect the cost of providing a modern eye examination; the steps being taken to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22294/24]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
In 2023, €44.68 million was paid in respect of approximately 1 million Optical Treatments.
The process of conducting a review of the optical benefit scheme has commenced and the Department will meet with representatives of Optical Practitioners in due course.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
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