Consultant shortage leaves eye patients facing waits of up to five years

Patients in South Tipperary are waiting almost five years for ophthalmology appointments as repeated efforts to recruit a consultant for the region have failed

Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat complex eye conditions and vision problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal disorders.

People in south Tipperary awaiting treatment for eye conditions are facing delays of almost five years due to difficulties recruiting a consultant ophthalmologist for the region.

The Irish Examiner reported in June that efforts to fill an ophthalmology consultant role in South Tipperary have failed three times since October 2024, as more than 2,000 people waited for an appointment.

Following a “comprehensive validation exercise all of waiting lists across Tipperary South”, the HSE said there were 1,775 people on the waiting list.

They include 599 children aged four and under, 740 children between five and 17, 148 aged 18-64, and 288 aged over 65.

The HSE said, in response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil TD Michael Murphy, that the longest wait is in the two adult cohorts, with some patients having been on the waiting list for 258 weeks — two weeks short of five years.

Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat complex eye conditions and vision problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal disorders.

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

The first advertisement was placed by the HSE in October 2024, but failed to attract candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

In another recruitment campaign late last year, there was no applicant for the competition.

Now, plans are being made for a series of “blitz clinics” in Waterford University Hospital to tackle the backlog.

In response to Mr Murphy, the HSE’s acting head of service — primary care for the area, Paul Goff, said the post had been advertised three times.

On one of those occasions, “while one candidate progressed through the recruitment process, they subsequently withdrew for personal reasons", he said, adding the remaining applicants did not meet the required eligibility criteria.

Further efforts are now under way to recruit either in Ireland or the UK, with steps having been taken to make the role more attractive, according to Mr Goff.

They include investment in “modern diagnostic equipment, including optical coherence tomography  imaging and laser technology”.

Mr Goff said multidisciplinary supports had been strengthened “through the expansion of optometry, orthoptic, and ophthalmic nursing services”.

He added: “There are currently four ophthalmology posts being progressed through the HSE recruitment process. These include one consultant ophthalmologist, one senior orthoptist, one optometrist for the south Tipperary area, and one optometrist for the Carlow/Kilkenny area.” 

He also outlined a multidisciplinary working group was established under the chairmanship of the integrated healthcare area manager to address the challenges arising from the absence of a community ophthalmology service in South Tipperary.

“One of the principal recommendations emerging from this group is the development of a targeted waiting list initiative to address the significant ophthalmology backlog in south Tipperary," Mr Goff said. 

"Subject to final agreement and operational planning, a series of intensive weekend clinics ('blitz clinics') will be delivered, primarily on Saturdays. 

"University Hospital Waterford has been identified as the most appropriate location for these clinics, as it can provide access to a full multidisciplinary ophthalmology team, appropriate diagnostic equipment and treatment facilities, and a suitable clinical environment capable of safely managing both paediatric and adult patients.” 

Mr Murphy said the situation was “deeply concerning,” adding: “We cannot accept a situation where children are missing a vital time window for treatment,”

He acknowledged efforts were being made to recruit a consultant, but wants to see a “clear start date” for the blitz clinics.

In April, minister of state at the Department of Health Mary Butler said in the Dáil the failure to fill the post was “disappointing”.