Medical card holders denied replacement spectacles by HSE

MEDICAL card holders, including vulnerable elderly people, in North Cork are not being given replacement glasses to which they are entitled.

Martin O’Brien, vice-president of the Association of Optometrists Ireland, said it has received a number of complaints from optometrists in North Cork saying they have been refused by the HSE South from giving replacement glasses to a number of people with medical cards.

“The guidelines state if a person has a medical card they are entitled to an eye test every two years unless there is a specific reason why they should have it more often,” said Mr O’Brien. “During that two-year period, they should be allowed to get replacement glasses if they lose them or break them. Obviously, if someone just wants to change their style we will not allow them a replacement pair.