The optometrist's role in the multidisciplinary diabetes team: towards a more holistic approach

Diabetes is a chronic and costly disease, which is increasingly affecting Australians of all ages. It imposes a personal and public health threat. Every health care provider will encounter numerous people with diabetes in the course of practice and will have the opportunity to influence the course of diabetes in individual patients. Optometrists have recognised technical training and expertise in detecting diabetic eye disease but can also be effective in helping to improve overall diabetes outcomes by adopting strategies which can assist in: 1. the earlier detection of undiagnosed diabetes, 2. earlier referral to appropriate services for people with established diabetes and who may be experiencing problems and 3. greater patient awareness of recommendations for optimal diabetes care. This article provides an overview of the way diabetes services are currently provided in Australia and the role of non-medical providers in the management of diabetes. Suggestions are made for greater involvement of optometrists as members of the multi-disciplinary diabetes team.