The paediatric optometry alignment program – a model of interprofessional collaborative eyecare

ABSTRACT

Clinical Relevance

Collaboration  between hospital-based ophthalmology and community-based optometry could pave the way to improve access to paediatric eyecare services.

Background

The Paediatric Optometry Alignment Program (POAP) began in 2016 as a proof-of-concept pilot project that aimed to improve access to specialist paediatric ophthalmology services. If found to be effective at improving patient access, and the quality of care acceptable to patients and professionals then the strategic intent was to upscale the programme to  serve as a model for paediatric eye care in the community.

Methods

Temporal observational trend analysis was used to review ophthalmology clinic appointment waitlists prior and post POAP pilot project commencement. Family satisfaction with post-discharge care was surveyed in a purposive sample of 30 patients.  Aligned optometrists in the program pilot (n = 97) were invited to complete an online survey (response rate 46%; n = 45).

Results

 The percentage of children waiting longer than clinically recommended fell from 72% to 36%. Sixty-seven percent  of surveyed families had attended a community optometrist as recommended, and all rated the optometry experience from good to excellent.  Participating optometrists reported high levels of satisfaction with involvement in the program, and increased confidence and involvement in paediatric eye care delivery. The need to improve formal transfer  of clinical information was identified.

Conclusion

Facilitated integrated care between community-based optometrists and a hospital-based ophthalmology department can improve access for tertiary care services, with high satisfaction for families and participating community-based optometrists.

KEYWORDS:

• Children
• collaborative
• eye care
• interprofessional
• ophthalmology
• optometry

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of senior orthoptist Michael Sleep to the steering committee and project officers Hannah Johnson and Melanie Lloyd for program administration.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Queensland Health Service and Clinical Innovation.