Waiting times for eye care are getting worse

The latest figures from the HSE show 2,500 more people are waiting for hospital eye care than last year.

The figures for March 2022 showed the total waiting for eye care was 20,400, whereas in April 2023, this is now 22,900 – an increase of about 12%.

More than 16,500 people waiting for eye care are under 18 – almost 75% – according to the figures. And overall, nearly 11,400 people have been waiting over a year.

TDs and Senators have joined FODO’s calls for improvement, raising concerns about long waiting times for eye care, particularly for children. Many are now calling on the Minister for Health and the HSE to increase access to local optometry services to help reduce waiting times.

FODO Ireland has highlighted the long waiting lists across counties and CHOs. Garvan Mulligan, FODO Ireland chair, spoke to local radio stations in Galway and Clare, while Ireland Live and Tipperary Live have featured our stories.

For more information about waiting lists in your area or to speak to local media to raise concerns, please get in touch.