Departmental Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023

Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Questions (1348)

Duncan Smith

Question:

1348. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health to outline what vouchers or grants are in place to support parents with the cost of new glasses for their children; if this voucher scheme applies only up to the age of eight years; if he will confirm if there is a standard voucher amount in place across the country or if the level of support varies by geographic area; to outline, in tabular form, the amount payable by each CHO or former health board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48677/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Sight testing, eye examinations and optical appliances are provided to medical card holders by ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians through the Community Ophthalmic Services Schemes (COSS). Patients may access these services following a referral by a healthcare professional such as their general practitioner.

All children, including those not covered by a medical card, receive a vision screen while in national school from a Public Health Nurse. The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides optical services free of charge to pre-school children and national school children referred from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have sight problems. These children are referred to the appropriate consultant for treatment. In such circumstances, these services will continue to be provided until the child has reached the age of 16.

As this also involves a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in regards to progress made, as soon as possible.