Vol. 453 No. 2
75 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the reason the service for optical service has deteriorated so much; the plans, if any he has to improve the service in view of delays of four months and one and a half months for medical card holders and employers with full PRSI cover respectively; and when a person (details supplied) in Dublin will receive the service. [9166/95]
Limerick East): As the provision of optical treatment for eligible persons in the Dublin area is the responsibility of the Eastern Health Board in the first instance I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position and to reply to the Deputy in relation to this case as a matter of urgency.
I am aware that there is a waiting list for ophthalmic services in the Eastern Health Board area owing to a steady increase in the number of applicants for services.
The Eastern Health Board currently has a system in operation which gives priority to applicants with special needs such as persons with certain medical conditions, and every effort is made to ensure that urgent cases are processed without delay. There is no waiting list for children requiring glasses.
