Vol. 452 No. 3
89 Mr Gallagher (Laoighis-Offaly) asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the delays in treating children identified as having eye defects in school medical examinations in the Midlands Health Board area and to the distress and anxiety these delays are causing to such children and their families; the steps if any, he proposes to take to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8068/95]
90 Mr Gallagher (Laoighis-Offaly) asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the extent of the problems caused to patients in view of the lack of a proper optical service in the Midland Health Boards area; the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8069/95]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.
The provision of optical services for eligible persons in the Midland Health Board area is the statutory responsibility of the Midland Health Board.
The board currently has a system in operation whereby referrals from the school health examination, developmental clinics and general practitioners are prioritised by the Community Ophthalmic Physician according to degree of need and every effort is made to ensure that urgent cases are processed without delay.
My Department is aware of the Midland Health Board's concern regarding its community ophthalmic services at present and will be discussing the matter further with the board with a view to ensuring that all eligible persons who need optical services receive them within a reasonable time.
