Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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482. To ask the Minister for Health to outline his views on using a community-based model for the development and improvement of eye care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16040/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Primary Care Eye Services Review Group, which was established by the HSE is currently preparing an implementation plan to support its Review. The Association of Optometrists Ireland has contributed as a stakeholder to this Review. The overall aim of the Review Group is to shift the management of many eye conditions from acute care services to primary care and community services, as appropriate. The government is committed to updating the national eye care plan, including evaluation of the Sligo model for cataract surgery. These are matters which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the Health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.