17 March 2023

FODO Ireland member update – 17 March

This week:

• Waiting list action plan 2023
• Calls for increased access and sight test fees in primary eye care
• FODO Ireland seeks commitment for regular fees increase under TBS
• Over eights transfer to local optometry
• Expanding access in general practice
• Changes to TBESS
• Appointment to optical registration board (CORU)

Waiting list action plan 2023

The government has published its 2023 waiting list action plan, with three of the seven prioritised care pathways relating to eye care.

Unfortunately, the government has not included greater use of local optometry to support waiting list management.

Read more.

Calls for increased access and sight test fees in primary eye care

Following FODO Ireland's calls for action on waiting lists, Deputy Sean Sherlock has raised his concerns on the subject. He called for greater use of primary eye care, with uplifted fees to ensure the financial viability of optical practices.

Read more.

FODO Ireland seeks commitment for regular fees increase under TBS

FODO Ireland has responded to the government's call for input on the Department of Social Protection's strategy. Our main proposal is to ensure inflation does not erode fees and contributions. We are seeking a commitment to link sight test fee increases to inflation.

Read more.

Over eights transfer to local optometry

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health, has confirmed that the HSE will advance the transfer of care for children of eight and over to local optometrists.

The statement follows significant media coverage of FODO's calls to increase access to local optometry, particularly for children, to reduce patient waiting times and relieve pressure in hospitals.

Read more.

Expanding access in general practice

Minister Donnelly has confirmed that access to free GP services will expand from April 2023, giving almost half of Irish citizens access to free GP care.

Read more.

Changes to TBESS

The government has changed its Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, extending it to the end of April 2023.

Read more.

Appointment to optical registration board (CORU)

Declan Hovenden is elected to the CORU optical registration board.