asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of dental and optical treatment for medical card holders in Waterford city and county; the reasons for the delays being experienced by people seeking such treatment; if he will indicate the length of time between an application for treatment and receiving the treatment; the reasons for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Waterford Dental and Optical Treatment.
201.
It is a matter for the health board to decide how much money is allocated to dental and ophthalmic services from its overall financial allocation.
I understand that in its budget for 1986 the South Eastern Health Board made provision for the operation of the ad hoc dental scheme and the adult sight testing scheme on a limited basis. In the Waterford area the resources available permitted 1,400 authorisations for ophthalmic services by private opticians and 700 authorisations for dental treatment by private dental practitioners in 1986. In addition the board provides dental and ophthalmic services for eligible persons through clinics carried on by health board employees. At present the average waiting time for a person seeking ophthalmic services is five months and for dental services 12 months.