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.