Expansion of Optometrists’ role and Fair Fees
- More capacity can be achieved and €millions saved – it is 50% less expensive to provide a standard appointment at an Optometrist than a hospital
- There are 700 Optometrists in situ who are trained, skilled and have equipment in place to deliver more public eye-care, as is the norm across Europe
- Establish a new Optometrist-led public eye-care programme for 8-16 year olds, as there is no public scheme for this age group and this is affecting children’s health and learning
- Optometrists’ Contract needed to be updated to include fair fees and parity across both the HSE Community Optical Scheme and Department of Social Protection payments
- The current fee of €22.51 for an eye examination in the HSE Optical Scheme is unsustainable. Department of Social Protection (DSP) rates for an eye exam are at a higher level of €30.00. An increase is needed to both the HSE and DSP payments – and parity must be established across both schemes.
- Increase prescribing by Optometrists (most are already qualified to do so) to improve access and relieve GPs
- Hospital services, HSE clinics and Optometrists should triage – with routine eye exams, glasses fitting and monitoring provided in the community by Optometrists and specialist care at hospitals and clinics
- Roll out the proven the Sligo post-cataract scheme nationwide to improve capacity to treat Cataract in Ireland.
