Michael Ring
Ceist:185 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be given an eye test. [5839/00]
Written Answers. - Ophthalmic Service.
Michael Ring
Ceist:186 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a replacement optician (details supplied) will be provided for people in north Mayo. [5840/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
The provision of eye tests and the employment of practitioners to conduct such tests in County Mayo is, in the first instance, a matter for the Western Health Board.
An adult optical scheme is available to clients in County Mayo. However, the specialist ophthalmology service cannot be provided due to the board's difficulty in recruiting a community ophthalmologist. The Western Health Board advertised the post of community ophthalmologist for the area concerned. Unfortunately, the advertisement did not attract any applicants. In the circumstances the board is meeting with an ophthalmologist on Friday, 3 March with a view to arranging an alternative way of providing the service. This may involve a private purchase of services for north Mayo.