The project is a 12 month program to implement alternate clinical ophthalmic pathways utilising skills of Optometrist, Nurse Practitioner / Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) and Orthoptists.
These practitioners will undertake initial assessment or reviews based on evidenced pathways (glaucoma, paediatrics) to reduce delays to definitive assessment and treatment. This initiative will include establishing sustainable criteria and a comprehensive evaluation tool.
Provide effective patient pathways where an alternate health provider can initiate first contact, assess and commence a treatment pathway, thus enhancing timely access to care and ensuring specialist ophthalmologist resources are utilised effectively.
The potential benefits of this model includes:
Ophthalmology services is facing increasing challenges driven by a growing and aging population, an increasing burden of chronic disease and an increased demand. The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) provides services to a population of approximately 480,000 that is forecast to increase by 21 per cent by 2021. Furthermore, the SCHHS has the highest percentage of the population over 65 years of age compared to the Queensland average. Vision loss trebles for every decade of life after 40 years of age. Data confirms the demand for ophthalmology services significantly outweighs the current services provided by the SCHHS.
