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KERRY TD Michael Healy-Rae branded as “torture” the situation endured by Kerry people waiting for a cataract operation. He also said the fact that they could not avail of the operation in their home county was “outrageous”.

Some 125 people are currently waiting for a cataract operation in Kerry at present with a further 476 people awaiting the operation in Cork, he noted. "The torture people are going through knowing that may go blind while waiting is placing an unbearable tragic burden on families," said Deputy Healy-Rae.

Currently there is no cataract surgery carried out in University Hospital Kerry and all referrals are submitted to South Infirmary Hospital Cork for assessment, he said.
“When referrals are received they are triaged by the consultants and are either placed directly on the cataract waiting list or on the outpatient list for assessment. Cork University Hospital currently manages the outpatients department for all of Cork and Kerry,” said the Kerry TD.

In a recent Dáil Question to the Minister for Health Michael Healy Rae asked the Minister to clarify how many people are currently waiting for a Cataract Operation in Kerry and could the Minister clarify how long people are waiting for this vital procedure, which came to 601. "In the recent weeks 190 patients have been given a date for surgery in the New Year and 65 patients who have been on the list for more the 18 months have been outsourced for a cataract operation privately and while this will reduce the list a little, there will be more people added again in the New Year once they have been assessed,” said Deputy Healy-Rae.

He added: “It is outrageous that operations are not be carried out in Co Kerry and that people have to travel to Cork for an operation so I call on the Minister to look into this matter urgently."