The Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) is phasing out its clinical service for patients, in a “difficult decision” from its main backer, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, to transition funding away from early detection services.
The decision was announced 29 April 2025, and as a result, CFEH will be transitioning all existing patients “to appropriate alternative pathways”. Effective 1 May 2025, the body will no longer be accepting any new referrals.
“Where possible, all patients will be seen for a final review appointment before their records and ongoing care are transferred to a clinically appropriate alternate care provider,” a statement said.
CFEH was established in 2009 as a joint initiative between Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and UNSW.
In 2022, Insight reported Guide Dogs NSW/ACT invested around $3 million annually in CFEH to help reduce eye disease prevalence through early detection services at no cost to NSW patients. With an extensive database, CFEH also performed research and offers education opportunities for optometrists.
That same year, the CFEH announced a revamp of its operating model, with inaugural director Professor Michael Kalloniatis departing and Ms Sarah Holland appointed as general manager.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT have stated this latest decision, made after careful consideration of multiple options, enabled it to focus resources on supporting people with permanent changes to their vision earlier in their journey, ensuring improved outcomes and access to critical services.
The organisation wants to increase its scope of service offerings in the low vision space and put more emphasis on social change in alignment with its priorities for 2030 and beyond, a note on the CFEH website said.
Since CFEH’s inception 15 years ago, the optometric industry has undergone significant advancement, the statement said.
“Optometrists in the community have greater access to imaging instruments and technology, and vastly improved diagnostic skills meaning they are well-equipped to provide care for many of the centre’s existing patients,” the statement said.
For patients requiring ophthalmology care, CFEH is working with industry stakeholders to identify and develop safe and sustainable tertiary care options.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will be providing additional support “to aid the safe transfer of existing patients”. This will happen in the form of transition funding and clinical equipment donation to support ongoing public ophthalmology and/or collaborative care models.
Reflecting on the lasting impact of CFEH, Holland said its clinical, education and research activities, developed over the past 15 years, cannot be overstated.
“We have collaborated on new clinical pathways with ophthalmology, played a part in shaping the future of optometry in Australia though our education activities, and contributed significantly to the evidence-base around ocular disease,” she said.
“As a team we are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved, and we will continue to support our community optometry colleagues as we transition our patients. The next 12 months will also see us continuing to work with our external stakeholders with an aim of developing sustainable, collaborative pathways for those requiring public ophthalmological care”.
Referrers and patients can access some FAQs here.
More reading
CFEH ‘redefining approach’ as director Prof Michael Kalloniatis departs
Centre for Eye Health appoints general manager to lead new operating model
Glaucoma suspects: More frequent reviews cost Australian health system less
