Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Jun 2001

Vol. 537 No. 5

Written Answers. - Ophthalmology Service.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

303 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people awaiting eye tests and other ophthalmology procedures or diagnostic services by category in each health board region; and if he will make a statement on the length of the waiting list per category. [16624/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The number of people on the ophthalmology in-patient waiting list as at 31 December 2000, the latest date for which figures are available, is 3,253. The breakdown by health board area and specialty is set out below. The data collected do not identify the number of people waiting for eye tests or other diagnostic services.

Health Board Area	Ophthalmology Cataracts	Ophthalmology Other Procedures	Total
ERHA	1,254	612	1,866
Midland	0	0	0
Mid-Western	320	72	392
North Eastern	0	0	0
North Western	29	62	91
South Eastern	0	304	304
Southern	252	133	385
Western	144	71	215
Overall Total	1,999	1,254	3,253

During the period December 1999 to December 2000 the overall number waiting for ophthalmology services fell by 27%, with those waiting for more than 12 months decreasing by 50%. The overall target for waiting list initiative funding is to ensure that no adult waits longer than 12 months and that no child waits longer than six months for treatment.