Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1617. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the reason that there is a €25 charge for medical card users to get their eyes tested in opticians owned by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42424/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSight testing, eye examinations and optical appliances are provided to medical card holders by ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians through the Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS). The reimbursement of the cost of eye tests and glasses is administered by the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service.
Eligible adults will normally be allowed an eye examination and spectacles once every two years if required. They will be supplied with one pair of reading and one pair of distance spectacles (if a separate prescription for distance and near vision is required) or one pair of bifocal spectacles once every two years from the date of initial approval.
More frequent examinations will only be considered by the approving officer where the application is accompanied by a note from the Medical Practitioner or optometrist. Sufficient detail must be provided, outlining a full description in each individual case. In the case of loss or damage, one additional pair may be provided in any 12-month period. Where a patient is examined and referred by the Optometrist to a contracted Ophthalmologist, both examinations are payable under the Scheme.
The Scheme is underpinned by patient choice of service provider. In all cases, patients must apply to their Local Health Office for authorisation for service from any Ophthalmologist/Optometrist/ Dispensing Optician contracted to the HSE.
There is no provision under the Scheme for the charging of additional fees to patients. Any inappropriate charges by contracted healthcare providers should be reported to the HSE for investigation.
