Cataract Surgery for Cork residents under the Cross Border Directive now known as Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme
The Cross-Border Directive allows patients in Ireland to receive cataract surgery in other European Union or European Economic Area member states. This transformative initiative allows patients from Cork and across Ireland to avail of cross border healthcare at our Belfast clinic and be fully reimbursed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). In order to be approved for the treatment, patients must receive a referral letter from their public GP or specialist (they must also qualify for the same treatment as a public patient in Ireland). After patients have completed their treatment at Cathedral Eye Clinic, payment will be made. Please note that CBD patients will not receive any reimbursement for travel costs or medicine that may be required after treatment. Through each and every stage of the Cross Border Directive process, dedicated staff at our clinic strive to ensure that all applicants meet the established eligibility criteria, including the completion of all relevant documents.
Qualifying for the Cross Border Directive
To qualify for reimbursement, patients must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a resident of Ireland;
- Be entitled to public healthcare services in Ireland;
- Not currently receiving benefits from any other EEA or EU member state;
- Patients must travel abroad (to Northern Ireland) to receive treatment;
- Patients must provide a referral letter from a public GP or specialist;
- Patients must provide a copy of documentation proving that they are on a waiting list; and
- Apply for reimbursement abroad (i.e. in the Republic of Ireland) post-treatment.
