A new clinic led by upskilled orthoptists is helping the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) reduce wait times and streamline follow up appointments for cataract patients.
Six orthoptists are now handling suitable patients for the entirety of their appointments post cataract surgery. Previously the process could involve multiple practitioners, including an ophthalmologist, medical photographer and orthoptist.
“Benefits have included shorter waiting times for patients seen in this clinic and it has enabled medical staff to review patients with more complex surgical outcomes or diseases,” Catherine Mancuso, the REEVH’s manager of diagnostic eye services, told Insight.
The orthoptists’ specialised training has included one-on-one sessions with the medical head of the surgical ophthalmology clinic, as well as observation time with ophthalmologists. On completion of these sessions, they were assessed against a competency standard.
Now working independently, the orthoptists assess post-operative healing. If there are no clinical concerns, they are responsible for discharging the patient and communicating with their GP about any follow up care.
Planning for the clinic commenced in July 2017 as part of a number of initiatives aimed at improving patient access to care. Since its recent inception, there have been more than 300 eligible patients seen and treated in the clinic, with approximately 150 discharged by orthoptists.
With around 7,400 cataract procedures performed each year, it is one of the most common types of surgery at RVEEH.
“The aim of the clinic was to reduce the waiting time for patients to see medical staff and ensure we appropriately manage the high volume of post-surgery cataract patients,” Mancuso said.
“It is similar to other models that we have trialled in the past. The main difference is that this clinic empowers orthoptists to discharge patients when they have satisfied specific clinical criteria.”
Funding for the clinic was provided as part the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’ Specialist Clinics Access Improvement Partnership program, which has assisted with the implementation of a broad range of initiatives to improve patient care at the RVEEH’s specialist clinics.
Mancuso said the hospital now plans to expand the clinic further to cover more sessions during the week, while also providing an example for other units to explore non-medical models of care.
Image: Orthoptist Ms Deb Gleeson assesses patient Mrs Van Poulious. Credit: Anna Carlile and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
