I value the important role community optometrists play in our Health Service in the delivery of holistic patient care. In particular, I fully acknowledge that community optometrists have played a key role in responding to the health needs of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During COVID-19 optometrists have been responsive to the challenges presented and have developed guidelines and procedures to safely deliver patient care. I also recognise that optometrists have also played an important role in the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
At present optometry operates largely in the private sector in practices throughout Ireland. However, the Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS) is an agreement entered into between the HSE and Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians. It provides Community Eye Care Services to eligible patients.
I am fully committed to the development of community services which can facilitate expanded and more integrated provision of eye care in local communities. In 2022, the HSE 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. It is anticipated that it will be possible to bring the project to conclusion over a 6-to-9-month time frame in 2022.
Ensuring an appropriate pipeline of suitably qualified healthcare professionals is a key priority. It is critical that we continue to attract, train, and retain sufficient appropriately qualified healthcare workers to ensure the health service can meet the projected future demand for healthcare.
Officials in my Department engage on an ongoing basis with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science on determining the longer-term skills needs of the healthcare sector, and the role which the Further and Higher Education sector can play in meeting those skills needs.
It is recognised by both Departments that there is a need to ensure the availability of graduates with the skills necessary to support the healthcare system and to support a strategic approach to workforce planning for the health sector.
