A local community health group is to tackle waiting lists for cataracts surgeries in Roscommon.
A bus is being organised by Roscommon Rapid Response at the beginning of September to take patients to Belfast for treatment under the Cross Border Healthcare Directive.
The initiative allows patients to undergo procedures abroad and receive a recoupment from the H.S.E.
Those taking part will be required to pay the cost of the procedure upfront, with the HSE reimbursing the majority of the funds in the future.
Patients will also have to cover costs such as accommodation, food and travel expenses.
The two day trip will see a consultation held with doctors on the first day, with the procedure taking place the following day.
John McDermot from Roscommon Rapid Response says it's vital that everyone with the condition has access to the treatment:
"Don't sit there with your cataracts going blind because of money. Let's get the procedure in place and we'll get a system in place where you can make repayments if you need to. Depending on the numbers and the responses we get, we'll run more busses. At the moment we have a block booking of 12 for the hospital on the 9th and if needed we'll run the bus every month or 6 weeks".
