Children face eye-test delays as optometrists say they are not being reimbursed by HSE

Under the scheme children get a free eye test and a voucher towards glasses if needed. Picture: iStock

Children requiring eye tests funded by the HSE are facing delays because optometrists say they are not being reimbursed and can no longer afford to offer treatment.

In some cases practitioners are waiting on thousands of euro in fees, which is unsustainable, a leading optometrist has warned.