Mayo cataract patients urged to avail of travel opportunity before rates cut

THE news that the HSE is to extend the date whereby people availing of the Cross Border Directive for cataract surgery can claim reimbursement at current rates has today been welcomed by Mayo Aontú Councillor Paul Lawless.

Councillor Lawless, who has organised for hundreds of people from the west of Ireland to travel for the much-needed surgery, says he is relieved that the HSE has agreed to extend the date for the reimbursement until August 31 before the introduction of reduced rates on September 1.

The current rate of reimbursement is €1,912. From September 1, this is due to be reduced significantly to €1,171.

He is urging people who need the surgery to ensure they have treatment before the planned cuts and is organising the next Mayo cataract bus for the start of next month (August)

Said Councillor Lawless: “Cataract surgery is a vital service and one that makes an inordinate positive difference to patients.

“I am most disappointed with this government cutting vital funding for those people who need it most. Only the most desperate patients, often those waiting the longest, go to the north.

“The government cuts to the rates of reimbursement are significant and will impact those who can least afford it most.

“I have organised several buses to transport people from all over the west to the north and the difference that has made to their lives is incredible. So many have got their independence, freedom and quality of life back following the cataract surgery, which, while a relatively simple procedure, is expensive.”

Councillor Lawless says that in order to ensure that as many people from the west benefit under the current rates, the next Mayo cataract bus will leave the county on August 2. All patients will have consultation followed by surgery and back in Mayo within 24 hours.