'Cruel' cataract cuts affecting vulnerable patients condemned by Mayo councillor

FOUNDER of the Mayo cataract bus, Councillor Paul Lawless has condemned the government's 'appalling' decision to cut reimbursements for cataract surgeries in the North.

The decision threatens to end a vital service that has transformed the lives of countless patients across Mayo and beyond, forcing them back into years-long waiting lists in the South.

Said Councillor Lawless: “For five years, the Mayo cataract bus has been more than just a mode of transport - it has been a lifeline. It has given patients, many of them elderly and vulnerable, the chance to escape interminable waiting lists and receive treatment within weeks.

“These are people who have been living with near blindness, unable to drive, isolated in their homes, and living in fear of falling.

“The government’s decision to cut reimbursements from nearly €2,000 to €1,150 will make it impossible for many of them to afford this essential treatment. It is nothing short of cruel.”

Councillor Lawless highlighted the importance of the cataract bus initiative in Mayo. It has taken hundreds of people off waiting lists, providing life-changing surgery.

Patients, many elderly pensioners, rely on these services to avoid waiting years for a procedure that takes just 20 minutes but restores their independence and quality of life.

“The government's move is a blatant attack on the most vulnerable,” he stated. “It is a disgrace that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are turning their backs on those who can least afford it.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs and councillors cannot hide behind party lines while their constituents are left to suffer. This issue transcends political allegiances; it’s about human dignity and fairness.”

Councillor Lawless called on the government to reverse this 'shameful decision' and reinstate full reimbursement for cataract surgeries under the Cross Border Initiative.

He also emphasised that the real solution lies in addressing the long waiting lists in the South. “Instead of punishing patients by cutting reimbursement rates, the Government should focus on eliminating waiting lists and ensuring that all Irish citizens receive timely, effective healthcare in their own region.”

He added: “We will not stop fighting for our patients' right to sight, dignity, and independence. This cut is a betrayal of those who have already suffered enough. It must be reversed now.”