Local councillor urges urgent response to consultant shortage in South Tipperary eye care

South Tipperary faces a growing shortage of specialist eye care, with no permanent consultant ophthalmologist in post, prompting calls for urgent action from local Councillor John O’Heney.

The HSE’s most recent recruitment drive for a Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist closed in December without attracting any applicants, a situation the councillor described as “an unacceptable situation for our community” and a “critical point” for local eye care.

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According to Councillor O’Heney, the lack of a permanent consultant is affecting hundreds of vulnerable patients, including more than 2,300 children on waiting lists for essential eye care.

He said in a recent statement released on social media this backlog is “causing huge stress and cost for local families forced to seek private care.”

Urgent cases are being diverted to University Hospital Waterford, Cllr O’Heney warned that these diversions are “putting pressure on their services and on local families traveling long distances.”

The role had been upgraded from a Community Ophthalmologist Physician post to a Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist in line with the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology, in an effort to attract suitable candidates.

However, recruitment has faced setbacks. An appointment in July 2025 was declined before the candidate could take up the post, and the position was briefly advertised as temporary before being confirmed as permanent.

The HSE has readvertised the post, with the current closing date set for January 8, 2026. According to Cllr O’Heney, “the urgent need for a qualified consultant to address the patient backlog remains a top priority.” He is calling on the Minister for Health and the HSE to act immediately.

“I am demanding immediate action from the Minister and the HSE to implement a crisis plan. South Tipperary families deserve access to local, timely eye care,” he said.

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