TDs raise concern over potential reimbursement cuts for cataract operations

Michael Collins TD speaking with passenger Don Payne on the Belfast or Blind bus, bringing patents to Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Northern Ireland for surgery under the cross-border directive. Picture: David Creedon

As another busload of people prepare to travel to Belfast for potentially sight-saving cataract operations, concern has been expressed that the State may only reimburse future recipients €800 of the cost rather than the usual €1,900.

Michael Collins, the Cork TD who launched the Cataracts Express service to enable people on long waiting lists to get the operations, says his office has been told that the amount to be reimbursed is being cut.