Some people are having to wait up to five years for cataract surgery in the public health service, a new survey has revealed. The wait time for private patients is three months. The survey was carried out by the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) and according to the findings, the average wait for public cataract
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Glaucoma continues to be a major cause of preventable blindness in the western world, and cases of the eye disease look set to increase in Ireland over the coming years, the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) has warned. According to the ICO, glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because in
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Some 40,000 people were on outpatient waiting lists for eye procedures at the end of 2017, with almost 14,000 of these already waiting for at least one year, figures have shown. According to the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI), Ireland’s eye care services need to rapidly change if they are to keep up with increasing
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Regular eye exams are as essential as regular trips to the dentist, eye experts have insisted. This week is Healthy Eyes Awareness Week, and according to the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) and the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) Ireland, everyone should have an eye test at least every two years. “Having an
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With Halloween just days away, retailers nationwide are being warned not to stock novelty contact lenses, as these can pose serious health risks. Currently in Ireland, it is an offence to sell contact lenses unless a doctor, registered optometrist or registered dispensing optician conducts the sale. This legislation is enforced by CORU, the Health and
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People affected by genetic sight loss in Ireland are unable to access timely diagnosis, treatment and counselling, a leading charity has warned. Currently in Ireland, there are around 225,000 people living with low vision or sight loss. As estimated 5,000 of these cases are genetic, in other words, they are inherited retinal conditions. According to
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Almost 12,500 people were waiting for inpatient eye procedures at the end of August, with over 3,000 of these already waiting more than a year for treatment, new figures have shown. Eye procedures currently make up the largest inpatient waiting list of any medical specialty and around 800 patients on this list have already been
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People with sight loss conditions are being given the opportunity to meet with leading eye experts to talk about the latest developments in research and treatments. An estimated 246,000 people in Ireland are affected by sight loss and this figure is projected to rise to 272,000 by 2020. In order to mark World Sight Day
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Many patients who are waiting to be seen in acute hospitals for eye-related problems could be seen, diagnosed and treated in the community, a new report has found. According to the Primary Care Eye Services Review Group Report, an estimated 60% of current outpatient cases could be moved to the community. If certain hospital services
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People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are being urged to register for free eye screening if they have not already done so. Diabetic RetinaScreen (the National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme) was launched in 2013. Its aim is to prevent vision problems and blindness due to the eye disease, diabetic retinopathy, which is a
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The charity, Irish Guide Dogs, has launched a new fundraising appeal, aimed at helping those who are visually impaired and those with autism. The HEROES appeal will highlight the heroic work of guide dogs, as well as raising much needed funds. All of the services and supports offered by Irish Guide Dogs are free of
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People are being reminded that the only way to detect the eye disease, glaucoma, is through regular eye tests. According to the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO), glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it is usually symptomless in its early stages and people are often unaware they have it
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Some Irish patients face the risk of irreversible damage to their vision due to ophthalmology waiting lists that are ‘out of control’, it has been claimed. According to the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), the specialty of ophthalmology currently has the longest waiting list for outpatient appointments and surgery. This means that
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