Eye specialists demand action on waiting lists ‘crisis’

Almost 12,500 people are on hospital waiting lists for eye procedures – while another 38,000 are waiting for outpatient appointments.

The Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) says the numbers are at “crisis level” and the delays are compromising health.

More than 3,000 of those waiting for procedures have been waiting more than a year, with 800 waiting more than 18 months. The waiting list for outpatients, meanwhile, has grown 20% in the last eight months.