"HSE Eye testing in Schools."

Our son (5) had an eye test. This was organised through the HSE and the Dept of Education. His test results showed that he would need glasses and to be monitored by a Doctor/Optician to check on his improvement and development.

We were told of the lengthy waiting list to be seen in a public clinic. We decided to pay for private consultation and glasses. We have a health scheme that will cover some of these costs which is a huge benefit to us.

We are still linked in with the public clinic but have not yet been contacted by them with an appointment. This is frustrating as we have had our second private appointment already. This appointment resulted in the Doctor diagnosing that our son who is now 6 has not improved his vision in his weaker eye by wearing glasses. Her next decision has been to advise the wearing of an eye patch for 6 hours a day. The Doctor informed us that up to the age of 8 a child can improve their vision by this method. We discussed the system that is in operation between the schools and the HSE. While we all agreed with its Merits we also believed it to be flawed in regard to the care that is available through the public system for some very time sensitive matters.