16 February 2023

FODO Ireland proposal to Department of Social Protection

FODO Ireland has responded to the government's call for development of the Department of Social Protection 2023-26 strategy.

The Department manages the Treatment Benefit Scheme, available to those who contribute to PRSI. Through this, local optical practices receive a fee for testing sight so patients received it for free, and patients can receive a contribution toward the cost of spectacles or contact lenses.

FODO Ireland has called for the 2023-26 strategy to include commitments to:

• ensure reimbursement for a sight test under the optical benefit scheme is linked to inflation (and as a minimum, increases in line with inflation for the coming year)
• ensure the contribution towards the cost of spectacles or lenses and repairs, is linked to inflation (and as a minimum, increases in line with inflation for the coming year).
• Better publicise the Treatment Benefit Scheme and its benefits
• extend the Treatment Benefit Scheme beyond spouses, to children and dependents under the age of 21

Read the full submission.