Health Screening Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Questions (526)

Tom Fleming

Question:

526. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health his views on research carried out by the National Coalition for Vision Health here which indicates that the 220,000 already suffering sight loss could rise to 272,000 by 2020 and that the majority of these cases may be medically managed to prevent sight loss moving to total blindness; if he will make the additional resources required available as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13920/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

There 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.