Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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556. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to instances in which a company (details supplied) has been charging patients for eye tests despite these same patients qualifying for free eye tests under the treatment benefit scheme, that is, PRSI optical benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44716/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A standard eye examination is available, free of charge, under the terms of the Optical Benefit scheme, to all qualified PRSI contributors and their dependent spouse/partners on a biennial basis. 

Some optical providers can now provide additional eye checks using new technology as an optional extra and these may incur an additional fee payable directly by the customer.  The costs associated with these tests should be advised to the customer in advance and the customer given the option to choose to proceed with the additional test or not.  The company referred to has been contacted and has confirmed that the process as outlined above represents their policy in this regard.

It should be noted also that where a customer has an optical examination more frequently that every two years, they may incur a cost for the additional examination. 

If the Deputy has details of a situation were a person believes they have been incorrectly charged for an optical examination, she should forward these details to my Department and the matter will be fully examined. 

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.