Increase in Cork cataract procedures welcomed by Seamus McGrath

While there has been a significant increase in the number of cataract procedures carried out at Cork’s South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) during 2024 compared to figures from previous years, people seeking the procedure in Cork could have to wait up to 15 months.

According to figures provided to Cork South Central Fianna Fáil TD Seamus McGrath, 1870 cataract surgeries were carried out in Cork during 2024, up from 1298 procedures in 2023 and 1124 cataract operations in 2022.

In the response, Ms Helen O’Donovan, the chief executive of the SIVUH said they expected to carry out 1800 surgeries in 2025.

The increase in cataract operations has been attributed largely to the move of ophthalmology services in Cork and Kerry to what is described as a ‘state of the art’ unit in the SIVUH which opened on August 26 last year.

A HSE South West spokesperson told The Echo: “This new facility has successfully relocated all planned and emergency ophthalmology services from Cork University Hospital and the Mercy University Hospital to SIVUH, ensuring better accessibility and convenience for patients."

“The opening of this new theatre has led to a remarkable increase in cataract operations from 2023 to 2024, showcasing the positive impact of this development.

“As of May 2025, 172 people are waiting for a cataract procedure, with wait times ranging from 0 to 15 months. Each case is carefully reviewed and prioritised by a clinician based on urgency, ensuring that those in need receive timely care.” The HSE South West response to The Echo also disclosed that while public patients benefit from the cataract service free of charge, the cost to the public system is €862 for a minor cataract and €4,206 for a major cataract.

The increase in the number of procedures carried out is good news according to the Cork South Central Fianna Fáil TD. “I welcome the increase in the number of surgeries but, obviously, there are still capacity issues and we need to continually improve resources in this respect,” said Mr McGrath.

Michael Collins, the Cork South West TD and Independent Ireland leader, has been organising Belfast or Blind buses to bring people from Cork and Kerry who are suffering from cataracts to Northern Ireland where they can get the operation in a private hospital. They get a partial reimbursement for this surgery from the Cross Border Health Scheme.

Since this time last year there has been a significant reduction in the subsidy available for cataract procedures under the cross border health scheme.

Previously those availing of the scheme received a payment of almost €2,000 to reimburse them for the costs of the operation in Belfast — but this assistance was reduced to just €1,173 on September 1 of last year.