Vol. 427 No. 6
277 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health the number of people awaiting eye appointments in South Tipperary; the average waiting time for such appointments; the proposals, if any, he has to reduce this waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand from the South-Eastern Health Board that 782 new cases are currently awaiting appointments under the Board's Community Ophthalmic Services in the Tipperary South Riding area. The average waiting period for appointment is 15 months.
A post of Community Ophthalmic Physician has now been approved for the Tipperary South Riding area and arrangements are currently being made by the Board to fill the post. The successful filling of the post will improve the ophthalmic services and alleviate the waiting list.
