Eye clinic opening set to reduce cataract wait times

Veonet opened the ophthalmology clinic in Mahon, whic will offer services including cataract treatment, glaucoma care, retina services, and diagnostic procedures

At the launch of Veonet Ireland's new ophthalmology clinic in Cork were Frank Doheny, Veonet Ireland CEO; minister of state Jerry Buttimer, and Mireia Roca Cabau, consultant ophthalmologist at Veonet Ireland. Picture: Cathal Noonan

A new clinic opened in Cork on Friday will help to reduce waiting lists for eye surgeries like cataract.

Veonet Ireland opened the new ophthalmology clinic in Mahon, whic will offer services including cataract treatment, glaucoma care, retina services, and diagnostic procedures. Veonet Ireland has established relationships with major health insurers including Laya Healthcare, VHI and Irish Life to  supporting patient access to ophthalmology services.

More than 6,500 people are currently on ophthalmology waiting lists in Cork, while 142 patients are awaiting cataract surgery procedures in the region. The new Mahon facility is the largest clinic within the Veonet network and has been designed to support significant patient capacity and integrated ophthalmology care services. Minister of state Jerry Buttimer officially opened the facility. 

"Cork and the wider region have seen significant demand for eye-care services in recent years, and patients deserve faster access to high-quality treatment closer to home delivered to the highest standards of clinical excellence," said Veonet Ireland chief executive Frank Doherty. "Through our clinics and our wider all-island network, Veonet aims to become a partner to the Irish health system with a focus on tackling waiting lists and improving patient access to care.”

Veonet Ireland established has a presence in Carrickmines in Co Dublin last year and has an existing Belfast clinic. Further clinics are due to be opened in North Dublin, Waterford, and Galway over the coming months.

Ophthalmology remains one of the most pressurised areas within the Irish healthcare system, with almost 58,000 people currently on waiting lists.

Internationally, Veonet operates 310 clinics across seven countries, conducting over 2.5m eye examinations and treat over 1m patients.