Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
368. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health why there has been a delay in publishing the report on the ophthalmic clinical development programme; his plans for same and his views in respect of this programme. [16795/16]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to the HSE's National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology's model of care. I am informed by the HSE that this is a work in progress and has not been delayed. The aim of the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology is to ensure equitable and high quality care for ophthalmic patients and to minimise the incidence of needless blindness. The Programme has devised a high level strategy for the delivery of eye care and is of the view that a community based model is most appropriate. This is supportive of the aims of the Primary Care Eye Services Review Group, which was established by the HSE’s Primary Care Division. This Review Group is currently preparing an implementation plan to support its Review. The overall aim of the Review Group is to shift the management of many eye conditions from acute care services to primary care and community services, as appropriate. The Government is committed to updating the national eye care plan, including evaluation of the Sligo model for cataract surgery. These are matters which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the Health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.
