Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1580.To ask the Minister for Health if there is a schedule for implementing the detailed implementation plan regarding the transfer of care for children aged eight+ years to local optometrists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[33829/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS) is a national fee-per-item scheme which was introduced in 1979. Under the COSS, medical card holders aged over 16 years can be seen by ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic physicians, optometrists or dispensing opticians.

Eligible patients can receive an eye examination and be provided with prescribed optical appliances in accordance with a national schedule of approved optical appliances.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides optical services free of charge to pre-school children and national school children referred from child health services 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.

The HSE Primary Care Eye Services Review Group Report, published in June 2017, highlighted the limitations of the current model of service delivery and set out the way forward for a significant amount of eye services to be delivered in a primary care setting. Included in current priorities is transferring the care of children aged 8+ years to the care of local private optometrists under the COSS. The HSE forwarded a detailed and costed implementation plan regarding this matter.

There will be engagement between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform during the Estimates 2025 process in relation to the funding required to progress healthcare priorities, including the provision of eyecare.