Optometrists slate 'ad hoc' payment system for children's eye tests

The eye care programme for treating children over the age of eight is “ad hoc” at best and needs immediate attention according to local opticians. Pic. iStock

A patchwork system of payments for children’s eye tests means some parents have this covered by the HSE while others do not, Optometry Ireland has warned.

A scheme whereby children’s eyes are tested or glasses prescribed at community optometrists, instead of directly through the HSE, has never been standardised, Martin O’Brien said.