If you’re living in the Republic of Ireland and have been told you need cataract surgery, long waiting lists can be frustrating. Fortunately, the cross border directive, now known as the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS), offers eligible public patients another option.
Through the cross border directive, eligible patients can travel to Northern Ireland for cataract surgery and claim reimbursement from the Health Service Executive (HSE) after treatment. At Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast, patients from across Ireland can access expert cataract care without lengthy delays, with surgery often available within weeks of referral.
This guide explains how the cross border directive works, who may be eligible, what to expect throughout your treatment journey and why many Irish patients choose Cathedral Eye Clinic for their cataract surgery.
What Is the Cross Border Directive?
Many people still refer to the scheme as the cross border directive, although it is now officially called the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS).
The cross border directive allows eligible public healthcare patients living in the Republic of Ireland to receive planned medical treatment in Northern Ireland and apply to the HSE for reimbursement afterwards.
For cataract surgery, this means:
- You arrange treatment at Cathedral Eye Clinic.
- You pay for your treatment upfront.
- Following surgery, you submit your claim to the HSE.
- Eligible patients may receive reimbursement in line with HSE criteria.
Depending on your individual circumstances and HSE eligibility, reimbursement may be up to €1,500, or approximately 70–80% of consultation and procedure costs, subject to HSE rules and approval.
The Cathedral Eye Clinic Cross-Border Patient Team provides guidance throughout the process, including assistance with the paperwork required for reimbursement.
Who Can Use the Cross Border Directive?
You may be eligible to use the cross border directive if you:
- Live in the Republic of Ireland.
- Receive public healthcare through the HSE.
- Have a referral from your GP or consultant for cataract surgery.
- Are willing to pay for treatment before applying for reimbursement.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, Cathedral Eye Clinic’s Cross-Border Patient Team can explain the process and discuss eligibility before you arrange your consultation.
For confirmation of eligibility, patients should also contact the HSE directly.
Why Irish Patients Choose Cathedral Eye Clinic
Many patients choose Cathedral Eye Clinic because the cross border directive provides an opportunity to access treatment sooner than waiting for surgery through the public system.
Patients travelling from the Republic of Ireland benefit from:
- Faster access to cataract surgery
- Specialist ophthalmic consultants
- Dedicated Cross-Border Patient Team
- Guidance with HSE reimbursement paperwork
- Advanced diagnostic and surgical technology
- Local post-operative care in selected locations throughout Ireland
- Personalised treatment planning
For many patients, surgery can be arranged within 4–6 weeks of initial referral, helping to reduce unnecessary delays in restoring clearer vision.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, we understand the importance of timely care, and that’s why we ensure that consultation and surgery can be completed within 48 hours, if required.
Experienced Ophthalmic Consultants
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, cataract surgery is carried out by highly experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons led by Professor Johnny Moore.
The clinical team combines extensive experience in:
- Cataract surgery
- Comprehensive ophthalmic care
- Management of cataract complications
- Research-orientated delivery of care
Every patient undergoes a detailed assessment before surgery to help determine the most appropriate treatment pathway and lens option for their individual eyes and lifestyle.
This personalised approach aims to achieve the best possible visual outcome for every patient.
Your Cross Border Directive Cataract Surgery Journey
The cross border directive process has been designed to make accessing treatment as straightforward as possible.
Step 1: Contact Cathedral Eye Clinic
Your journey begins by contacting the dedicated Cross-Border Patient Team.
They will:
- Arrange your consultation.
- Explain treatment costs.
- Discuss reimbursement through the cross border directive.
- Help prepare the paperwork needed for your HSE claim.
Step 2: Get a Referral
Ask your GP for a referral for cataract surgery.
Step 3: Consultation in Belfast
You’ll attend a detailed cataract assessment at Cathedral Eye Clinic, where our specialists will:
- Assess your vision
- Confirm your cataract diagnosis
- Recommend the best lens options
- Schedule surgery
We can also arrange for your consultation and surgery to take place on two consecutive days, helping minimise travel. Our Patient Care Team can provide guidance on convenient nearby accommodation, including details of hotels that offer preferential rates for Cathedral Eye Clinic patients, making your stay in Belfast easy and comfortable.
Step 4: Cataract Surgery Within Weeks
Unlike long waiting lists in the public system, surgery can typically take place within weeks.
The procedure itself is quick, painless, and usually takes around 20 minutes.
Step 5: Cataract Surgery
After surgery, our cross-border team will help you submit your reimbursement claim to the HSE, ensuring all documentation is correct.
Dedicated Cross-Border Patient Support
Travelling for medical treatment can feel complicated – but we make it straightforward. Our in-house cross-border team handles everything, including:
- Explaining how the process works
- Coordinating appointments
- Providing documentation for HSE reimbursement
- Supporting you from initial enquiry through to reimbursement
You’ll have one dedicated point of contact throughout your journey.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens gradually becomes cloudy. This clouding prevents light from passing clearly through the lens, leading to blurred or impaired vision.
Cataracts are a common part of the ageing process, although they can also develop for other reasons. Over time, they can begin to affect everyday activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Increased glare from headlights or bright lights
- Difficulty driving at night
- Colours appearing faded or less vibrant
- Frequent changes to your glasses prescription
If cataracts begin to interfere with your quality of life, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to restore clearer vision.
Personalised Lens Options
Every patient’s eyes are different, which is why your Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon will discuss the most appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) for your individual needs.
During your assessment, factors such as your eye health, prescription and lifestyle will all be considered when recommending the most suitable lens option.
Your consultant will explain the available choices and answer any questions before your procedure.
Local Post-Operative Care
One of the major advantages of choosing Cathedral Eye Clinic through the cross border directive is access to local post-operative care for eligible patients.
Following surgery, your recovery can often be managed through Cathedral Eye Clinic’s network of ophthalmic partners in selected locations throughout Ireland.
This means that, where available, you may not need to travel back to Belfast for your routine post-operative appointments.
Your consultant will explain your aftercare plan before your surgery and advise whether local follow-up is available in your area.
Local post-operative care is available in selected locations throughout Ireland.
HSE Reimbursement Through the Cross Border Directive
The cross border directive allows eligible patients to claim reimbursement from the HSE after receiving cataract surgery in Northern Ireland.
The process is straightforward:
- Attend your consultation and cataract surgery at Cathedral Eye Clinic.
- Pay for your treatment.
- Complete your reimbursement application.
- Submit the required documentation to the HSE.
Eligible patients may be able to claim:
- Up to €1,500 towards treatment costs, or
- Approximately 70–80% of consultation and procedure costs, depending on HSE eligibility criteria and reimbursement limits.
Cathedral Eye Clinic’s Cross-Border Patient Team provides guidance with the paperwork needed to support your application.
For confirmation of eligibility and reimbursement amounts, patients should contact the HSE directly on 056 778 4546.
Why Choose Cathedral Eye Clinic?
Patients from across the Republic of Ireland travel to Cathedral Eye Clinic because they can access expert cataract care without lengthy waiting times.
From your first enquiry to your recovery, the team is committed to making the cross border directive process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme?
The Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (formerly known as the cross border directive) allows eligible public patients living in the Republic of Ireland to travel to Northern Ireland for planned healthcare, pay for treatment upfront and then apply to the HSE for reimbursement.
How quickly can I have cataract surgery?
Many patients can have surgery within 4–6 weeks of referral. Where clinically appropriate, consultation and surgery may even be completed within 48 hours.
Do I need to travel back to Belfast after surgery?
Not always. Cathedral Eye Clinic offers local post-operative care through ophthalmic partners in selected locations throughout Ireland, meaning many patients can attend follow-up appointments closer to home.
Will Cathedral Eye Clinic help with the reimbursement paperwork?
Yes. The dedicated Cross-Border Patient Team provides guidance throughout the cross border directive process, including assistance with the documentation needed for your HSE reimbursement application.
Can I bring someone with me on the day of surgery?
Yes. Patients are welcome to bring a companion or family member for support on the day of their cataract surgery.
Begin Your Cross Border Directive Journey Today
If you’re living in the Republic of Ireland and waiting for cataract surgery, the cross border directive, now known as the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, could help you access treatment much sooner.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast, you’ll receive expert care from experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, supported by a dedicated Cross-Border Patient Team who will guide you through every stage of the process, from your initial consultation to your HSE reimbursement application.
If you would like to find out whether you’re eligible, contact Cathedral Eye Clinic today to book your consultation and take the next step towards clearer vision.
Terms and Conditions
- Reimbursement of 70–80% of consultation and procedure costs, or up to €1,500, is subject to the Health Service Executive’s eligibility criteria and reimbursement limits.
- Patients should contact the HSE on 056 778 4546 to confirm their eligibility.
- Local post-operative care is available only in selected locations throughout Ireland.
