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Primary Care:
The vast majority of eye examinations are provided by optometrists in their practices. In essence these are private practices, however, the vast majority of them enjoy contracts with both the Department of Social & Family Affairs (DSFA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) who fund eye examinations for qualified applicants. In the absence of such approval a private fee is charged.
Most adults are eligible for service under either one or other of these two schemes.
Optical Benefit Scheme - Department of Social & Family Affairs (DSFA)
Medical Card Scheme - HSE
Secondary/Tertiary Care:
Optometrists do not provide secondary or tertiary care as it is not their function to provide treatment of eye diseases or other medical conditions affecting the eye. It is, however, their function to examine for signs of such conditions as part of the eye examination and, if found, to make an appropriate referral to a medical practitioner.
A medical practitioner who specializes in diseases and conditions of the eye is an ophthalmologist.
If a referral is required the optometrist will discuss the matter with the patient. There are broadly two possible channels:
- Direct referral to an ophthalmologist in a private capacity, i.e. as a
private patient.
- Referral to the patient’s GP who will then handle the onward referral.
This is the normal channel if the patient wishes to obtain treatment as a
public patient.
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