The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (Eye and Ear) is inviting Victorian optometrists to participate in an innovative care program for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
During the past 20 years, the Eye and Ear has seen a 29% increase in surgical patients with glaucoma, with data from Glaucoma Australia indicating one in 50 Australians will develop the condition in their lifetime.
Since 2019, the Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program (G3CP) has provided greater community-based eyecare with eligible patients who have mild to moderate glaucoma.
They are seen in a shared-care arrangement between the Eye and Ear Glaucoma Unit and participating community optometrists.
“Optometrists working with the Eye and Ear in this program will gain valuable experience in co-managing patients with glaucoma and receive access to highly interactive accredited CPD training from our glaucoma medical team,” the hospital said in a statement.
“The benefits for patients through this shared model mean they can be reviewed closer to home, reducing travel time and costs, as well as facilitating better access to appointments.”
With G3CP now expanding, the Eye and Ear aims to continue building relationships with optometrists who have an interest in glaucoma to promote continuing professional education and improved public health.
The Eye and Ear will host interactive CPD training for participating optometrists, provided by Eye and Ear Glaucoma Unit ophthalmologists. These sessions will provide opportunities to enhance glaucoma management strategies, as well as strengthen the relationship between the glaucoma medical team and optometrists.
To find out more about Eye and Ear glaucoma collaborative care program and register interest click here, or email G3CP@eyeandear.org.au.
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