asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the hardships which elderly medical card holders undergo in trying to obtain spectacles under the present system; why these people cannot attend their local optician to obtain spectacles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Spectacle Supplies.
20.
I have had under review the present arrangements for the supply of spectacles to medical card holders, with particular regard to the feasibility of allowing such persons to obtain spectacles from an optician of their choice. As was indicated in reply to a similar question on 13th December last it is not my intention to introduce an amended scheme, at present, but the matter is being borne in mind for consideration at a later date.
I will vary the question somewhat as the Minister knows what is in my mind. Is it not true that ordinary opticians and doctors now do sight tests for insured persons and that these persons, having got the sight test, can get their spectacles in a week or two, whereas the medical card-holder must go, as far as I am aware in Dublin in any case, to the Eye and Ear Hospital. I suppose there are similar arrangements throughout the country—where it will take anything from four to six months to get the tests, not to mind the glasses. Will the Minister see that these people are not discriminated against in this way?
I appreciate that there is delay in many cases, particularly in Dublin. All I can say is that the matter is under review. I do not intend to do anything about it at present but I shall certainly consider it at a later date.
May I appeal to the Minister to have an investigation into the present unnecessarily long delay in securing an appointment particularly in the case of elderly persons who may need eye examinations? Many of these eye conditions are acute, demanding immediate treatment or else blindness will result. Could the Minister, in the circumstances, have an immediate investigation to ensure that appointments can be obtained for these people at least within a week or two of seeking an appointment?
If there are cases where there is undue delay, I shall certainly be prepared to take up the matter with the appropriate health board.
Would the Minister ask the Department to look into the time it takes at present for an appointment to be obtained?
I will, but——
I could give 200 cases not just one.
Would the Minister not agree that the whole cause of delay in this matter is the scarcity of eye specialists? It is obvious there is not sufficient inducement to get them into this work.
I am not so aware. The Deputy may have more information than I have.
I have given a lot of latitude on this question. I am passing on to No. 21.