The Children’s Eye Clinic in Portlaoise is set to return to the hospital in early 2025.
Previously the service was available in Portlaoise Hospital where the clinic was run by Dr Loretta Nolan.
The eye clinic service originally took place in Portlaoise Hospital in a room beside the laboratory adjacent to the car park.
However the service was closed when Dr Nolan left the role a few years ago.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, children from Laois and surrounding areas have been forced to travel to Athlone to avail of these services.
In a response to a Parliamentary Question put forward by TD Charlie Flanagan the HSE confirmed the news.
They said: “HSE Midlands (CHO8) is at the early stages of transferring the Ophthalmology Services in the Midlands from the Acute Hospitals and into Community Services.
“A location has been identified in Portlaoise, with planning and associated works expected to be completed late 2024/early 2025 and work is ongoing to operationalise the service to cater for patients in the Midlands region.
“New development Consultant Ophthalmologist post in conjunction with RVEEH has been approved for funding to support provision in the community recruitment process at an early stage.”
Charlie Flanagan is delighted to see such a crucial service finally return to Laois after such a long absence.
He said: “This is very welcome news for families in the area who are currently travelling to Athlone for this very important service”.
