Call to roll out cataract scheme

Reducing waiting times for cataract treatment should be the priority to improve public eye health, according to the new president of the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI).

Galway-based optometrist John Weldon said that better health and quality of life could be achieved for thousands of patients by rolling out the Sligo cataract scheme.

‘Patients are suffering and the problem is worsening year on year. This must be addressed and changed,’ he said.

Weldon highlighted that waiting times in the South West were up to five years, whereas waiting times in the North West where the scheme was used were approximately a year, which were the shortest in the country.