Industry News
Innovative Ophthalmology Model of Care Improves Eye Health Access in Regional NSW
A team of dedicated clinicians from the Save Sight Institute, Foresight Australia, and Griffith Base Hospital has unveiled an innovative Ophthalmology Model of Care that aims to revolutionise access to regular and culturally sensitive eye care services in regional New South Wales. This groundbreaking initiative promises to address the pressing issue of limited eye care access in rural areas and create a template for similar programs across the country.
Vision impairment is a significant public health concern, impacting the quality of life, productivity, and overall health of individuals. Dr. Kristin Bell, a RANZCO Fellow, emphasized, "80% of permanent visual loss can be prevented through timely access to appropriate eye treatment," underscoring the importance of accessible eye care services.
However, accessing quality eye care services can be a challenge in rural areas due to various factors, including a shortage of resources, equipment, training, geographical barriers, and cultural differences in healthcare practices. This challenge is especially prevalent in regional New South Wales, where communities often face extended waitlists for ophthalmic surgery and limited access to eye care providers.
In response to this pressing issue, a team of clinicians led by A/Professor Geoffrey Painter from Foresight Australia and Kerrie Legg from Chatswood Private Hospital collaborated with the support of Griffith Base Hospital to develop a comprehensive Ophthalmology Model of Care. This model is designed to improve access to eye care services for all residents within the Western Region of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
Foresight Australia, A/Professor Painter, Kerrie Legg, and other committed Australian ophthalmologists and ophthalmic nurses have a history of providing eye care services and teaching programs in developing communities around the world. However, with international programs halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they shifted their focus to addressing the needs of their local community.
The Ophthalmology Model of Care centered around three strategic goals. First, it aimed to reduce the waiting list for surgical activity, achieving remarkable success by reducing initial waiting times from nearly 12 months to just a few weeks in early 2022. Second, it established a fully equipped clinic at Griffith Base Hospital, allowing for more streamlined referral, assessment, and follow-up processes, effectively reducing waiting times and eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Third, the model included an outreach program tailored to the needs of the Aboriginal communities in the region, providing equipment, training, and opportunities for Aboriginal Health Care Workers to identify eye care needs in remote areas.
Since its inception in February 2022, the Griffith Base Hospital Ophthalmology Model of Care has significantly improved health outcomes and access to public ophthalmology services in the Western MLHD. In recognition of their remarkable achievements, the team was honored with an Excellence award in the "Keeping People Healthy" category at the 2023 MLHD Excellence Awards.
This initiative exemplifies the positive impact that collaboration between dedicated clinicians and external stakeholders can have on improving the quality of life and reducing health disparities in regional and Indigenous communities. A/Professor Geoffrey Painter emphasized, "It's been a long but certainly rewarding process that allowed us to make a difference in the life of many in need in the Western MLHD."
The success of this model serves as a beacon of hope for addressing healthcare disparities in underserved regions, not just in New South Wales but throughout Australia. As A/Professor Painter notes, "Effective advocacy requires persistence, commitment, and patience," and when combined with a genuine commitment to promoting health and well-being, it can be a powerful tool for positive change.
The team acknowledges the support of numerous RANZCO fellows, trainees, and dedicated healthcare professionals who played a pivotal role in implementing this transformative model of care, ultimately making a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
This innovative Ophthalmology Model of Care represents a vital step towards ensuring that all Australians, regardless of their geographic location or cultural background, have access to essential eye care services, improving their quality of life and overall well-being.
