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By Michelle Crean

Cataract procedures in Belfast have resumed five months since the bus stopped travelling due to COVID restrictions.

This week, TD Danny Healy-Rae said that he's delighted that the buses are back bringing patients to have their cataracts removed to avoid the long waiting lists in the south.

The consultation and procedure takes place at the Kings Bridge Private Hospital in Belfast under the Cross Border Directive with most of the cost refunded afterwards by the HSE.

These buses have been organised since November 2017 to ensure people who would otherwise wait years on the waiting list here can get their cataracts removed in Belfast without waiting, Deputy Healy-Rae explained.

“The first two trips since lockdown on August 1 and 8 have been successful and I look forward to the next bus on August 15. There will be another bus travelling in September and the date is yet to be confirmed.”

Those travelling on the bus now need to have a COVID test done before travel which is free of charge. Everything is arranged for the trip, COVID test is booked, return bus from Kerry to Belfast with
O‘Callaghan’s Coaches Killarney, overnight hotel accommodation and transfer from the hotel to the hospital.

“I am glad to get this much needed service back up and running again for all the people who badly need it and will be continuing this service into the future to ensure that people retain their eyesight.”

If anybody with cataract problems is interested in travelling to Belfast for the procedure or would like more information they can contact Danny Healy-Rae on 064 6685315, 087 9975419 or 087 2316055.