Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces will be allowed to undergo an eye test at local eye test centres rather than travelling long distances for a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43089/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In cases where a member of the Defence Forces requires a refraction test for the purpose of determining his/her need for spectacles or contact lenses, the test is carried out either at St. Bricin's Hospital or by a local Optician, depending upon which is more convenient. In cases where an eye examination by an Ophthalmologist is required, appropriate referral to an Ophthalmologist is made by the attending General Practitioner. Personnel convenient to St. Bricin's are generally referred there. Others will be referred to a local Ophthalmologist. In such cases, if the waiting time to be seen by a local Ophthalmologist is considered excessive either for reasons of the persons own peace of mind or otherwise, the patient can be referred to the Eye Clinic at St. Bricin's.