'Crisis that cannot be ignored' - Tipperary councillor hits out at lack of ophthalmology services

A local councillor has hit out over the lack of ophthalmology services for children and families in Tipperary.

Independent councillor John O'Heney has called on the HSE to urgently prioritise the filling of a vacant role in south Tipperary, saying that families are being forced to shell out for private appointments for their children because there was no HSE ophthalmologist available in the area.

"It is simply unacceptable that children and families are being left without access to essential eye care services in our area," Cllr O'Heney wrote in a post on social media.

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The situation has arisen due to the retirement of the previous ophthalmologist, Dr Maureen Hillary, last year, with no one yet appointed to fill Dr Hillary's vacant role.

"One parent recently stated that they had to pay over €400 for an eye test and glasses for their child, with another appointment scheduled in three months.

"This should not be happening. No family should have to shoulder these costs because of the HSE’s failure to fill a vital post," the Tipperary T

own councillor hit out.

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"Additionally, referrals from public health nurses conducting developmental checks are now creating a backlog that will only get worse. This is a crisis that cannot be ignored. Early detection and treatment of vision problems are crucial for a child’s development and education, yet the system is failing them," he added.

Cllr O'Heney called for the HSE to immediately prioritise the filling of Dr Hillary's position, ensuring "that families in South Tipperary have access to the services they deserve".

In response, the HSE have said that efforts are underway to fill the vacant role.

"In line with tthe National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology Model of Eye Care and the Modernised Eye Care Pathway, the Community Ophthalmologist Physician position is being regraded to the position of Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist," a statement said.

"A process is currently under way to fill this post".

The HSE acknowledged "the impact on service users (for both children and adults) in the meantime," and said that "whilst the recruitment process is ongoing, the HSE is exploring all options to enable ophthalmology services to resume on an interim level in Tipperary South," a spokesman added.