More than 2,000 people on waiting list as ophthalmology role unfilled for nearly two years

The consultant ophthalmologist post for the area became vacant in autumn 2024 following a retirement. Stock picture

Efforts to fill an ophthalmology consultant in South Tipperary have failed three times since October 2024, as more than 2,000 people wait for an appointment.

HSE figures show 1,449 children under the age of four were on the waiting list for an ophthalmology appointment in South Tipperary at the end of December. A further 334 children aged between five and 17 were waiting, along with 240 people aged 18 to 64 and 372 people aged over 65.