Evaluating a collaborative paediatric eye-care model between optometry and ophthalmology: a clinical audit

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Pediatric Eye Care

Background:

• Long waiting lists plague pediatric ophthalmology services in Australia.
• Many referred patients may not require hospital-based treatment and can be managed in primary care.
• This study audited a collaborative care model between a student-led optometry clinic and a public ophthalmology clinic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and standard of care in a collaborative optometry-ophthalmology model for pediatric patients.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the model in reducing hospital wait times and improving patient access.
• To determine clinician adherence to protocols and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case note audit was conducted on children with specific conditions (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, craniosynostosis, etc.).
• Outcome data included patient throughput, re-referrals, and waiting list removals.
• Patient satisfaction was assessed via a reported experience survey.

Main Results:

• 157 of 169 children received care through the collaborative model.
• 209 patients were removed or prevented from joining the hospital ophthalmology waiting list.
• Protocol compliance was 95%, with 100% parent/guardian satisfaction reported.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative care between optometry and ophthalmology is safe and viable for pediatric eye services.
• The student-led model effectively reduced hospital wait times and improved patient access.
• High clinician adherence and family satisfaction were achieved.