Optometrists can now access the Victorian Virtual Specialist Consults (VVSC) service for online access to an ophthalmologist for advice on patients cases.
The Victorian Government initiative is now available for optometrists to book appointments on Monday afternoons, Optometry Australia (OA) announced 12 June 2025.
“In collaboration with the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, this service supports optometrists by providing direct online access to an ophthalmologist for patient management advice,” OA said.
“Although particularly valuable for optometrists in regional and remote areas, it is available to all Victorian optometrists, including those based in metropolitan areas.”
Optometrists can make use of this new service in two main ways.
Firstly, they can book a joint consultation where the patient, optometrist and online ophthalmologist are all present simultaneously.
Although the VVSC provides this service free-of-charge and does not bill Medicare, optometrists may be able to claim item numbers 10945 or 10946 if the relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule criteria are satisfied.
Secondly, they can access an in-person discussion with the ophthalmologist about a patient case or management plan without the patient present.
OA said this type of consultation may be particularly useful for conditions such as glaucoma diagnosis or progression, differential diagnosis of macular pathology (including suspected macular neovascularisation), post-operative complications, lid disorders, peripheral retinal lesions, pigmented lesions, and possible retinal dystrophies.
“Please note that there is currently no MBS item number for this type of service,” OA warned.
“This service is not limited to the above, and you may find other ways to utilise it for the benefit of your patients. For example, multi-way case conferences involving an ophthalmologist, optometrist, GP or other allied health providers.
“With increased utilisation of this service, it will likely expand to include additional days.”
OA has created a step-by-step guide for using the VVSC service. Appointments can be booked here.
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