Collaborative care model improves access to pediatric eye care and reduces hospital wait times

A collaborative care model between optometry and ophthalmology can safely and effectively improve access to pediatric eye care while significantly reducing hospital wait times, according to a study.

Conducted in Australia, the audit examined a partnership between a student-led university optometry clinic and a public ophthalmology clinic, focusing on conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, craniosynostosis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and chalazion.

Of 169 children offered care through this model, 157 received treatment, preventing 209 patients from being added to the hospital waitlist. Compliance with the co-developed care protocol was 95%, with only 29 children requiring re-referral to ophthalmology.

A patient experience survey showed 100% satisfaction among respondents.

Reference
Huhtanen A, Mathew A, Lewis C, et al. Evaluating a collaborative paediatric eye-care model between optometry and ophthalmology: a clinical audit. Clin Exp Optom. 2025;1-5. doi: 10.1080/08164622.2025.2460623. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39956658.