I fully support the proposal to allow optometrists to be contracted by the HSE to see children over 8 years of age for routine eye assessments and appliances.
The HSE has advised that in 2022 it will advance the transfer of care for children aged 8+ years to local optometrists, thereby reducing waiting lists and enhancing access to primary eye care services.
A project team was established in late 2019 / early 2020 to progress this initiative with a wide-ranging membership including representation from the Department of Health. However, due to the requirement to focus resources on the COVID 19 pandemic it was necessary to pause the programme.
There is now a commitment to progressing the project through the reconvening of the project team. It is anticipated that it will be possible to bring the project to conclusion over a 6-to-9-month time frame.
As the implementation timelines of this project remain an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question for the HSE provide a direct reply.