Permission has been granted for a new Waterford eye care medical facility at the former Waterford Crystal offices in Kilbarry.

Veonet Ireland will operate the clinic, providing specialist services including cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and vitreous-retinal procedures. The Kilbarry development will become the company’s third facility in the Republic of Ireland.

Planning documents confirm the clinic will include five diagnostic rooms, six consultation rooms, a surgical theatre and a dedicated recovery area. The facility could employ approximately 22 staff, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, nurses, administrative and support personnel.

The clinic will operate during normal daily hours. Emergency eye care services will also be available on a 24-hour basis if required.

A planning report described the development as a major boost for regional healthcare, stating that the arrival of Veonet Ireland represents a significant advancement in eye care services for the south-east.

The approved clinic will operate from the former Waterford Crystal office building, which recently underwent extensive refurbishment. The redevelopment forms part of the €130 million Glassworks initiative led by South East Technological University.

The Glassworks project has transformed the previously derelict building into a modern commercial space. When fully occupied, the four-storey, 80,000-square-foot development will accommodate up to 800 employees.

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