Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 22, line 12, after “optician” to insert the following:“or a suitably qualified delegated staff member working under the supervision of a registered optometrist or dispensing optician, such staff member having been delegated, by a registrant of the designated profession of optometrist or dispensing optician, to carry out non-clinical functions of the dispense such as selection of frames or sale of spectacles”.

We were contacted by the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians of Ireland which represents eye care providers and registered opticians in business in Ireland. The reason we were contacted and the one we tabled the amendment was there was a need for clarity on some concerns that the federation had expressed about registered medical practitioners having to dispense. There were concerns that this would tie up highly qualified professionals. They would be in a position to assess, through eye tests and make a decision, while some other competent person, with relevant experience, would be able to dispense eye glasses, frames, etc. There was a concern that if this legislation was passed without amendment, it would mean that the optometrist would have to carry out the entire procedure through to dispensing and have to charge at the cash till. If there is clarity on the issue, we will try to accommodate the Minister as best we can, but as of now, the amendment is necessary, unless otherwise explained.