Industry News
Centre for Eye Health to Cease New Referrals and Transition Services
The Centre for Eye Health (CFEH), a long-standing provider of diagnostic eye care and imaging services, officially closed to new referrals this month, marking a significant shift in eye care service delivery in New South Wales.
Over the next 6 to 12 months, all current patients will be discharged into appropriate, alternative care pathways. This decision follows industry-wide advancements in imaging technology and a notable rise in the diagnostic and disease management capabilities of community-based optometrists.
The transition is part of a broader strategic realignment by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, the founding organisation of CFEH, which is now shifting funding and resources from early detection services to enhance low vision service offerings and promote social change in line with its 2030 priorities.
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen impressive uptake of imaging instruments in community optometry practices,” a CFEH spokesperson said. “This has empowered optometrists to take on more complex cases and manage chronic eye disease within the community, reducing the reliance on tertiary referral centres like ours.”
To ensure continuity of care, CFEH will provide referring practitioners with comprehensive final reports, including clinical history, diagnoses, imaging, and tailored management plans. These will be shared via ZedDoctor and uploaded to patients’ My Health Records where available. CFEH’s Telehealth support will remain available until June 2026 to assist clinicians with diagnostic and management queries.
In light of the closure, CFEH is working closely with public and private ophthalmology services, including ongoing discussions with Prince of Wales Hospital regarding care pathways for patients in its Glaucoma Management Clinic. Meanwhile, patients under the C-Eye-C program will continue receiving care at the Parramatta facility through 2025, with ongoing management to be overseen by Westmead Hospital thereafter.
CFEH’s educational commitment remains unchanged, with its webinar program confirmed through to mid-2026. The Centre also intends to continue supporting optometry student placements in collaboration with the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science.
Looking ahead, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT plans to donate imaging equipment to support collaborative care initiatives across public health settings, particularly targeting underserved communities.
CFEH is currently compiling a list of optometry practices interested in managing complex eye disease cases. Practices without existing patients are encouraged to nominate themselves to ensure comprehensive coverage across Greater Sydney.
“While this marks the end of an era, it also represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen community-based care and extend support to those with low vision,” the spokesperson added. “We’re proud of our legacy and grateful to the referrers and collaborators who have supported CFEH over the past 15 years.”
Further details, including patient discharge FAQs, are available on the Centre’s website or by contacting [email protected]
