Clare TD Joe Cooney has welcomed confirmation from HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare that Clare residents are now eligible to apply for funding for low vision aids.
The clarification follows concerns he raised after constituents reported that they were being asked to pay for aids that were being funded for people in Limerick, despite both counties being in the same health region.
Deputy Cooney said the difference in treatment had caused confusion and frustration for those affected. He said there was no clear reason why Clare residents had been excluded.
“When it became clear that Clare people were being treated differently to those in Limerick, I immediately sought answers from HSE Mid-West. There was no justification for this inconsistency. I am pleased that the HSE has now confirmed that Clare residents can apply for funding for low vision aids,” he said.
Deputy Cooney added that low vision aids play an important role in supporting people with sight loss. “Low vision aids help people with sight loss make the most of their remaining vision and stay independent. They include magnifiers, electronic devices that enlarge text and images, specialised lighting, Braille and tactile tools, and mobility supports. These aids are used to help people manage daily tasks and remain active in their communities,” he said.
Deputy Cooney said this situation highlighted a wider issue. “Postcode delivery of government support should not be tolerated in today’s Ireland. As one example, an electronic visual aid costing one thousand euro would be provided free to people living in Limerick, Cork and parts of Tipperary, but someone living in County Clare would have to pay the full amount,” he said.
He confirmed that he has written to the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, “to standardise HSE funding for low vision aids across all Community Health Organisations (CHOs) in Ireland so that access to this important support is equitable for every resident of the State”.
In a written response to Deputy Cooney, HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare confirmed that the Primary Care Office in Clare is now accepting applications for low vision aid funding. Applications can be progressed through Vision Ireland on behalf of clients.