Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 March 2013
141. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that there are more than 220,000 persons with vision impairment here, the steps he will take to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13515/13]
View answerThere are detection and treatment services available at present, in the community and in acute hospital settings, for many conditions which can lead to vision impairment and blindness. The Department's priorities are to continue to identify and address ophthalmic defects noticed at child health and/or school health examinations; to provide free eye examinations and free spectacles to all adult medical card holders; to screen for diabetic retinopathy and to reduce long waiting lists.
