Eye health-care in Australia encompasses patients with chronic disorders being referred to ophthalmologists for detailed assessment and subsequent management. An increasing case load and relative decrease in ophthalmologists predicted over the next few years portend of an upcoming bottleneck in care delivery. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care within a rapidly changing health system, we propose that minor adjustments to existing services could improve the proficiency of resources. Such changes will require service providers to rethink their positions and roles and actively collaborate with each other for improved patient outcomes.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration; co-management; diabetes; glaucoma; health care; multidisciplinary; ocular health; ophthalmologists; optometrists.
© 2014 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2014 Optometrists Association Australia.