Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Anyone who has ever had a problem with his or her sight or has had an injury to his or her eyes knows how frightening it can be when one's vision is compromised. Unfortunately, recent figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, make for depressing reading. As of August 2021, 41,200 people were waiting for an outpatient eye care clinic appointment, with approximately 7,800 people waiting on an inpatient eye procedure. Waiting lists, as we know, were high before Covid. Unfortunately, Covid, to put it mildly, has not helped matters. The Association of Optometrists Ireland says it can provide a solution to this problem. There are 300 optometrists and 700 practitioners located across the country in state-of-the-art premises providing great care on a private basis to many of our citizens. They are highly trained and have the necessary equipment to be able to address the problem that we currently have. However, unfortunately in this country we do not seem to engage with such professionals to the same extent as many colleagues across other European countries do, and I believe this is a major mistake on the part of the HSE. I recently mentioned the Sligo cataract scheme, which was a joint operation between the HSE and optometrists in the area who tackled the long waiting lists for cataracts.It was a success. I believe what is being proposed would reduce waiting times and would be a cost-effective service. It would be very accessible and a better use of equipment and personnel than is currently the case. Surely it is time we opened our eyes to the benefits of such a scheme. I ask that the Minister be invited to the House so we can debate the merits of developing such a relationship.