David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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690. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the financial supports that are available to parents of children with vision impairments who require strong prescription glasses; if these supports vary depending on CHO area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48462/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Sight testing, eye examinations and optical appliances are provided to medical card holders by ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians through the Community Ophthalmic Services Schemes (COSS). Patients may access these services following a referral by a healthcare professional such as their general practitioner.

All children, including those not covered by a medical card, receive a vision screen while in national school from a Public Health Nurse. The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides optical services free of charge to pre-school children and national school children referred from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have sight problems. These children are referred to the appropriate consultant for treatment. In such circumstances, these services will continue to be provided until the child has reached the age of 16.

As this question also relates to a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.