As the provision of ophthalmic treatment for persons in Dublin is the responsibility of the Eastern Health Board, I have asked the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board to reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
In 1993 due to increases in the number of applications for optical services, the board exceeded its allocation and had to create a waiting list. The Eastern Health Board currently has a system in operation which gives priority to applicants with special needs such as persons with certain medical conditions, and every effort is made to ensure that urgent cases are dealt with without delay. There is no waiting list for children needing glasses.