First public patients from Limerick receive cataract surgery at Charter Medical Private Hospital Mullingar

Charter Medical Group has welcomed its first patients from University Hospital Limerick to whom they’ve provided critically required cataract surgery in their state of the art hospital in Westmeath.

The two patients from Limerick received the surgery within twelve days of referral highlighting the importance of timely access to care.

Charter Medical has been providing cataract and ophthalmic services nationally on behalf of the NTPF and in partnership with the HSE, to date it has provided care to over 20,000 public patients who were on lists awaiting surgery. Charter Medical Private Hospital’s patients describe the value of timely treatment as life changing in most cases.

Marie McCarty and Catherine Carroll were both referred on October 8 2026 and underwent surgery on October 20.Marie was contacted on the day of referral and attended her pre-operative assessment seven days later. Catherine attended her pre-operative assessment eight days after referral. Both patients underwent surgery on October 20.

Charter Medical Private Hospital prides itself on the timely access to care it provides to all patients. The average time from referral to assessment is less than seven days and the average time from assessment to surgery is five days, many patients receiving surgery on the day of assessment, removing the needless inconvenience of having to visit the hospital on multiple occasions for care.

Paula Gray, Group CEO of Charter Medical said, “Clear eyesight is fundamental to all aspects of everyday life and cataract procedures do have a positive impact on a person's confidence, independence and dignity.

“We are committed to making the patient journey as easy and straightforward as possible, particularly for people travelling outside their local area. It is our ethos to provide care to the patient with respect and dignity.”

For Marie McCarthy, the speed of the service meant she did not face a wait of several months for treatment. Discussing her experience she said, “Before I had the procedure reading was very challenging for me. The service provided was very quick from the time I was referred to Charter Medical in Mullingar. I did not have to wait months to have my cataract treated. It was just a couple of hours away and the journey was well worth it.”

Catherine Carroll, who was receiving treatment for her second eye, said, “I never thought I could have the procedure done so quickly, but thanks to the team in Mullingar, it became possible. The staff were very friendly and the service was excellent. The whole experience was seamless.”

Patients can access ophthalmology services at Charter Medical through a referral from their GP, optometrist or hospital consultant. Patients on public waiting lists may also be eligible for treatment through the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and arrangements.