The HSE have clarified the details of the ongoing recruitment of a temporary eye doctor for the Tipperary South area. The post became vacant in October, 2024 due to the retirement of the post holder. The HSE is hopeful of making a temporary locum appointment in the coming weeks but for now Ophthalmology services in South Tipperary remain paused.
The good news for South Tipperary is that the HSE intends to upgrade the position and in line with the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology Model of Eye Care and the Modernised Eye Care Pathway, the position has been re-graded to the position of Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist. A process is currently under way to fill this post – the HSE have not clarified if this is by means of reassignment or a new employee to be recruited.
The HSE acknowledges the impact on service users (for both children and adults) in the meantime and reminds the public that for urgent eye care issues, patients from the Tipperary South area may be referred to the Eye Service via the Emergency Department pathway at University Hospital Waterford.
The HSE says it hopes to be able to confirm the appointment of a locum shortly to allow for the resumption of ophthalmology services in Tipperary South.
Local public representatives have highlighted the costs faced by families if they choose to pay privately for tests and or purchase any corrective lens that may be required may be required while the post remains vacant.
