Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2024
218. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 729 of 20 June 2023, the position regarding a review of the community ophthalmic services medical treatment scheme as referenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3322/24]
View answerThe Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme (COSMTS) was established in 2004 as a pilot project in response to an identified need. The Scheme engages four practices across seven locations to provide medical and minor surgical care to patients outside of the acute care setting. This allows hospitals and eye clinics to focus on treating more complex conditions. The treatments and the current fees payable under the Scheme were agreed in 2013.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) have advised that a detailed evaluation of the current operation of the COSMTS will need to be carried out before it is extended further. This review remains a priority for my Department in 2024. To date, my officials have engaged with the HSE to determine how such an evaluative review would best be conducted. My Department continues to pursue this issue with the HSE.
