The need for a specialised Cataract Clinic in the HSE South East region which includes South Tipperary was raised by Cllr Roger Kennedy at the Regional Health Forum yesterday.
The HSE intends to offer additional ophthalmology clinics to help reduce the waiting list for cataract surgery- the present waiting time after being listed for surgery is 3 months.
The HSE is also now approved to hire two consultant Ophthalmologists – one for the Carlow Kilkenny South Tipperary Integrated Health Area(IHA) and one for the Waterford Wexford IHA – but in the interim two locums will be appointed.
The HSE is also conducting a pilot eye care scheme in Dublin South and Wicklow that might be rolled out across the region. In this approach the patient first sees an Optometrist who may decide that cataract surgery is necessary or refer to a different type of eye clinic or that no action is needed. This approach may double the number of cataract patients being seen by the Cataract specialists and help to reduce the waiting list. The HSE management accepts that staffing for eye care is not consistent across the Health Areas in the region but now plans to establish a regional Ophthalmology group “to optimise processes and access to regional ophthalmology.”
An ophthalmologist is a doctor/surgeon who has become specially trained in eye care. They identify and treat eye conditions or diseases through medicine and surgical eye care. An optometrist, also known as an ‘ophthalmic optician’ can detect eye conditions, including Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular degeneration, Astigmatism.
