Eligible patients can access sight-restoring cataract surgery within weeks, with no out-of-pocket cost for treatment or transport Europe’s leading ophthalmology group launches initiative to mark Cataract Awareness
Veonet Ireland, part of Europe’s leading ophthalmology group, has today launched a new initiative aimed at helping eligible patients access sight-restoring cataract surgery within weeks, with no out-of-pocket cost for treatment or transport.
The initiative has been launched to mark Cataract Awareness Month and is designed to remove practical and financial barriers that can prevent patients from accessing timely treatment. By aligning treatment costs with existing reimbursement pathways and providing complimentary transport, Veonet Ireland is seeking to make cataract care more accessible to eligible patients across Ireland.
As part of the initiative, pilot programmes are being introduced for patients where waiting lists are among the longest. One pilot programme has already been announced in Galway, with initiatives in other regions to be announced over the coming days. Eligible patients in these areas, many of which have been on a waiting list for over 18 months, will be supported in accessing cataract assessment, surgery and aftercare through Veonet Ireland’s Belfast clinic, with transport costs also covered*.
Under the reimbursement scheme run by the NIPHS, patients can avail of cross-border ophthalmology care provided they are ordinarily resident in Ireland, have been referred through the public healthcare system or are currently on a public waiting list for the treatment, and are seeking a procedure that is available through the public health service in Ireland. Patients do not need to hold a medical card to be eligible for reimbursement under the scheme.
By aligning the cost of cataract assessment, surgery and aftercare with the maximum amount eligible patients can reclaim through the NTPF pathway, Veonet Ireland is removing a significant financial barrier to treatment. While the standard cost of cross-border cataract treatment is the sterling equivalent of approximately €2,000**, Veonet Ireland is offering the service for €1,312 – the amount eligible patients can subsequently reclaim through the NTPF.
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision impairment among older adults and can have a significant impact on a person’s independence, mobility and quality of life. Timely treatment can help restore sight and enable people to continue carrying out everyday activities with confidence. Announcing the initiative, Frank Doheny, CEO of Veonet Ireland, said:
“Almost 6,500 patients across Ireland are currently awaiting cataract treatment. Behind every one of those numbers is a person whose eyesight, independence and quality of life may be affected by deteriorating vision. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures in modern healthcare and is genuinely life-changing for patients. Through the launch of our pilot programmes, we want to demonstrate how independent healthcare capacity can work alongside the public system to improve patient access and outcomes. By removing financial barriers, we can help more people receive the care they need while supporting broader efforts to improve access to ophthalmology services.”
By helping patients navigate existing pathways and removing barriers to care, the initiative aims to deliver tangible benefits for patients while supporting broader healthcare objectives around timely access to treatment. Patients interested in learning more about the initiative and eligibility criteria are encouraged to contact Veonet Ireland at:
*Terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.
- This offer is available for a limited time only. HSE reimbursement is subject to eligibility criteria.
- Finance subject to status.
- Offer valid until August 2026, Veonet Ireland reserve the right to withdraw this offer at anytime.
- **Per eye. Includes premium monofocal lens. Multifocal lenses are available at an additional cost.
- Important Information for Patients Eligible patients must be ordinarily resident in the Republic of Ireland for at least 12 months and have a GP referral letter for cataract surgery addressed to Veonet Ireland.
- The initiative includes cataract assessment, surgery and aftercare through Veonet Ireland’s Belfast clinic. There is no out-of-pocket cost for treatment and complimentary return bus transport is provided.
- Patients will attend a two-day appointment, comprising a pre-operative assessment on Day 1 and surgery on Day 2. Overnight accommodation in Belfast is required between appointments and is not included as part of the initiative.
- The free bus is optional. Patients are welcome to make your own way to Belfast.
For further information, patients can contact Veonet Ireland on 1800 85 20 25 or email [email protected].
About Veonet Ireland
Veonet was founded by renowned ophthalmologists who recognized the benefits of sharing expertise, networking and best practices to continuously improve the ophthalmic care of their patients. Veonet not only offers top-notch service and high-quality care but also provides a positive environment for specialists and staff to develop both personally and professionally.
Veonet is a growing network of more than 310 clinics across seven countries, collaborating with all health insurance providers and supporting national healthcare systems. As a clinically-led organisation, Veonet empowers ophthalmologists to shape services and procedures in line with best clinical standards. Each year, Veonet ophthalmologists conduct over 2.5 million eye examinations and perform over 1 million procedures.
