Crucial medical position remains vacant in South Tipperary as HSE restarts recruitment process

A vital medical position in South Tipperary remains vacant after one successful candidate who was offered the role decided to turn it down.

Independent Cllr John O'Heney confirmed that after a long campaign over the course of 2024, the HSE had finally appointed a new ophthalmologist for the South Tipperary are.

However, due to personal reasons, they are now not able to take up the position.

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Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine and surgery that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye disorders.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. They are trained to:

• Perform eye exams

• Diagnose and treat eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration)

• Prescribe medications

• Fit glasses or contact lenses

• Perform eye surgeries (e.g., LASIK, cataract removal)

Cllr John O'Heney says the HSE have readvertised the role and hope to fill it as soon as possible, branding the news as "disappointing" as it further extends a waiting time for this position that is "totally unacceptable."

This is disappointing news and the waiting time for this position to be filled is totally unacceptable.

I am in constant contact with the HSE management over this and will keep people updated as our Campaign to find a new Ophthalmologist restarts again.

The post is being re-advertised in the Medical Journal.

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