Progress is reported in efforts to recruit a new ophthalmologist for South Tipperary. The post has been vacant since Dr Maureen Hillery retired last year.
As of the end of March this year there are 2,395 people on the waiting list for eye care – 1,783 children and 612 adults. The HSE is to appoint an interim locum Ophthalmologist. Interviews were held on May 19th to form a panel with a person selected and currently going through the recruitment process/pre clearance stage. The longer term plan is to upgrade the post to Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist. No timeline has been given as to when such a person will be appointed.
Deputy Mattie McGrath had submitted a Parliamentary Question on the issue and asked about supports available to patients who may have paid for a private assessment. The HSE says “for urgent eye care issues, patients from the South Tipperary area may be referred to the Eye Department Service via the Emergency Department pathway at University Hospital Waterford by their General Practitioner.” The HSE says there is no mechanism for reimbursement of private costs for eye appointments or the dispensing of glasses. Deputy McGrath is now calling on the Minister for Health to introduce an emergency reimbursement mechanism and to commit additional resources to clear the backlog and prevent such situations from recurring in the future.
