Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
590. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will consider adding the cost of myopathy lenses to the public scheme (details supplied); if not, if his Department will cover the cost up to costs incurred of ordinary lenses which are covered by the public scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53676/23]
View answerThe Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS) is a national fee-per-item scheme which was introduced in 1979. Under the COSS, medical card holders aged over 16 years can be seen by ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic physicians, optometrists or dispensing opticians.
Eligible patients can receive an eye examination and be provided with prescribed optical appliances in accordance with a national schedule of approved optical appliances.
The Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians) Regulations 2013 (SI 274 of 2013) sets the fees for optometrists and dispensing opticians under the Community Optometric Services, Community Spectacle Dispensing Services and Health Amendment Act Card Schemes.
