Irish optometry practices deliver almost 300 free eye examinations to children

The two practices provided 200 hours of eye care in a bid to tackle the two-year waiting list for eye tests through the HSE

3 min read

An optometrist sits at a desk speaking with a teenage patient in a bright practice reception area. A computer, eyewear displays, and promotional posters are visible, with large windows letting in natural light behind them

Elizabeth Switzer Optometrist

Lucy Miller

09 April 2026

A ‘back to school’ campaign in January saw two optical practices in the Republic of Ireland deliver almost 200 hours of free eye examinations to children.

Children in the Republic of Ireland are entitled to free eye tests via the Health Service Executive, but there is currently a two-year waiting list.

Two optical practices in County Offaly, Elizabeth Switzer Optometrist in Edenderry and Aidan Walsh Opticians in Tullamore, ran the campaign throughout January.

Conditions including myopia, astigmatism, colour-blindness and far sightedness were picked up during the examinations.

Demand for eye examinations was so high that around 200 appointments had to be turned down, the practices said.

The teams described the uptake as ‘massive,’ as families snapped up the opportunity for a free eye examination.

Practice director at Elizabeth Switzer Optometrist, Beth Byrne, said: “When we first announced the ‘Back to School’ campaign, the phone didn’t stop ringing and we worked flat out over the course of the month. Quite often, we saw three or four siblings at the same time.

“It was so worth it to be able to help that many children. It was very rewarding. The only downside was the number of children we were not able to see.”

The practice is looking to run the event again in the near future, Byrne said.

She added: “It was great to engage with, and educate, children and their parents, particularly around myopia control, knowing we are helping to slow down the rate at which their eyesight may decline.

“Most of the children were entitled to an HSE voucher for free glasses so we were able to facilitate that for them, making it easier for families.”

A smiling optometrist takes a selfie with a young child seated in an eye examination chair. Behind them, a digital eye chart is mounted on the wall, and ophthalmic testing equipment is visible to the side in a clinical room

Aidan Walsh Opticians

Aidan Walsh Opticians’ practice director, Johnpaul Odigbo, with a patient

Practice director at Aidan Walsh Opticians, Johnpaul Odigbo, said that backlogs for children’s eye examinations under the HSE are a long-term issue.

“Eye screening is carried out in schools on children from the age of four, which is when most issues are picked up,” Odigbo said.

“Children should then be seen by a public health board clinic, but many don’t get seen for up to two years.”

There is currently only one paediatric ophthalmologist covering the three midland counties of Ireland – Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath – Odigbo said.

He added: “We know the difference that a delay in seeing a specialist can make. For example, if a lazy eye is left untreated, it can become more difficult to reverse it.

“For many eye conditions, early treatment can make a huge difference in protecting vision.”

Odigbo also emphasised the potential impact on a child’s academic progress if they are struggling to see at school.

Aidan Walsh Opticians and Elizabeth Switzer Optometrist are both Hakim Group practices.

Eye examinations to the cost of €12,000 (£10,453) were carried out during the campaign.