Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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803. To ask the Minister for Health the financial assistance or grants available for persons with prosthetic eyes. [15707/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The HSE provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including prosthetics, free of charge to eligible persons under the Community Funded Schemes (CFS). A prosthetic eye can be provided under the CFS to medical card holders.

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended) eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.

The HSE advise that an individual will usually be ready to have a prosthetic eye fitted 6 weeks post-surgery. In many paediatric cases, the first fit may be provided by Children Health Ireland (CHI). In other cases, the first fit should be provided for by the CFS for eligible persons. The HSE also advise that it is usual practice for individuals to source a Ocularist, who will then invoice the HSE prior to provision of the prosthetic eye.

The HSE further advise that unless there is a change in the socket, such as damage, loss, or excessive wear of the material, prosthetic eyes for adults usually have a functional life of 5 to 8 years. In children, they are generally required to be changed every 18 to 24 months, due to growth resulting in a changing socket.

To ensure good functionality, prevent irritation, and ensure a prolonged prosthetic lifespan, periodic maintenance and polishing of eye prosthetics is also required. The HSE do cover the costs of polishing for medical card holders.