Fees paid to optometrists for eye tests under two Government schemes are at least €66 less than what is required to break even – making them “non-viable”, according to the representative body.
On Monday, Optometry Ireland, which represents more than 700 optometrists, wrote to all TDs outlining steps that would reduce waiting times for outpatient eyecare.
According to figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund, from February, there are more than 10,000 people on the ophthalmology waiting list, including 1,053 children – making it the medical speciality with the fourth-longest waiting list.
Optometry Ireland chief executive Seán McCrave said optometrists deliver 98 per cent of primary eye care through the medical card and PRSI benefit schemes.
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Under the scheme, medical cardholders can receive a free eye test, while under the treatment benefit scheme, which is based on PRSI contributions, individuals are entitled to a free eyesight test once every two years.
However, he said the current fee provided to optometrists makes the schemes “non-viable”.
“The HSE medical card fee paid to optometrists is €22.51 and the PRSI fee is €30, but a break-even cost of an eye examination is €96. There has been no increase in the fee level for these community-based schemes for over 20 years,” he said.
“Some optometrists have been withdrawing, or not entering them. There has been ongoing engagement with the Departments of Health and Social Protection and the HSE. However, no outcome has been reached.”
[ Optometrists warn of ‘out of control’ waiting lists for eye proceduresOpens in new window ]
Mr McCrave added that eyecare for children up to 12 is led by HSE clinics. But he said there is “no clinical benefit” for children over eight being retained in these clinics and discharging them to the community would reduce waiting times.
“A national programme for over eight public eyecare was costed, a plan approved and funding ring-fenced 12 years ago, however this was never implemented by the HSE,” he said.
“An updated over eights eyecare plan was recently resubmitted and again agreed to by the Department of Health. However, funding approval continues to be awaited.”
Asked about the provision of fees to optometrists under the medical card scheme, a Department of Health spokeswoman said the Minister “acknowledges the important work that optometrists perform in ensuring the appropriate eye healthcare for the people of Ireland. While there was no dedicated funding allocated in Budget 2025 for an increase in fees, engagement with relevant stakeholders is ongoing.”
A Department of Social Protection spokesman, which runs the PRSI scheme, said the optical benefit arrangement is “subject to an annual fee which includes a review of fees”.
He added: “While the department does not retain historical data on the number of optical panellists, the department can confirm that the number of claims and expenditure on the scheme has increased each year for the last five years.”
