Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1489. To ask the Minister for Health when an increase to the fees payable to contractors for a standard eye examination under the community ophthalmic services scheme will be implemented, given a pilot scheme is in operation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56456/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme (COSMTS) was established in 2004 as a pilot project in response to an identified need. The Scheme engages four practices across seven locations to provide medical and minor surgical care to patients outside of the acute care setting. This allows hospitals and eye clinics to focus on treating more complex conditions. The treatments and the current fees payable under the Scheme were agreed in 2013.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) have advised that a detailed evaluation of the current operation of the COSMTS will need to be carried out before it is extended further. This review remains a priority for my Department in 2024. To date, my officials have engaged with the HSE to determine how such an evaluative review would best be conducted. My Department continues to pursue this issue with the HSE.