Dr. Colm Henry:

There are elements in place. The Senator will be very familiar with them because he has expressed an interest in this matter previously. We discussed the retina screening programme, which is quite successful in identifying people with diabetes who are at risk of progressing to severe visual loss and also in intervening. It is one of our well-established screening programmes. In addition, the work we have done to bring the treatment of people with eye conditions, including cataracts, paediatric conditions and macular conditions, out into the community was mentioned earlier.

That is creating extra capacity, reducing the times people are waiting to see consultants and making sure they get access sooner to treatment by a whole range of healthcare professionals, not just consultants. That is helping to prevent blindness too.

As to an overall strategy that captures screening and treatment pathways, we have an ophthalmology national clinical care programme, led by Dr. Billy Power, who has supported us in developing these pathways. We can certainly discuss that with him and I am open to any suggestions from the Senator as to how we can move from what we are doing now - from screening and early treatment intervention - to something that is broader in its remit.