The Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) is transitioning low-risk patients to community optometrists, like you, for their ongoing care. This shift enables CFEH to allocate its limited resources to high-risk patients, ensuring that those at greatest risk of vision loss receive priority attention. Many community practices are now equipped with advanced imaging and functional devices, making it possible to safely and effectively monitor these patients within the community setting.

A low-risk patient is someone who:

• Has stable visual acuity with no significant changes in vision.
• Has a slowly progressing ocular condition manageable in community practice (e.g., mild diabetic retinopathy, mild epiretinal membrane, lattice degeneration).
• Does not require immediate or complex treatment (e.g., glaucoma suspect).
• Has no active, vision-threatening complications.

CFEH’s clinical team identifies low-risk patients during their appointments based on the latest examination and condition assessment. From December 9, 2024, onwards, the attending optometrist will assess if a patient qualifies for transfer and will discuss this transition with them. You will receive a summary of their clinical status, history, and recommended follow-up.

Your role includes:

• Reviewing the patient’s medical records and discharge documentation.
• Providing ongoing eye care, including monitoring for any changes.
• Following the recommended follow-up schedule (e.g., annual or semi-annual exams).
• Communicating with CFEH for any clarifications needed about the patient’s care.
• Referring the patient to an ophthalmologist if their condition worsens and requires further intervention.

You will receive a formal communication via Medinexus, detailing the patient’s discharge and transition to your care. This report includes:

• The reason for transfer.
• The patient’s current condition and treatment plan.
• Recommendations for follow-up care.
• Relevant medical information, including visual acuity and imaging results.
• Contact details for any additional information.
• You will also be copied on the patient’s transfer letter.

If you believe a patient may need more specialised care, consider these options:

• Referral to a private ophthalmologist.
• Referral to a public hospital.
• Referral to an optometrist with a special interest in ocular disease.

If these options are not suitable, contact CFEH. The clinical team will review the case and, if necessary, adjust the care plan in collaboration with you and the patient.

You will receive a comprehensive transfer letter, which includes:

• A summary of the patient’s diagnosis, condition, and ongoing treatment or monitoring needs.
• Specific follow-up instructions (e.g., visit frequency, key observations).
• Relevant imaging or diagnostic results.
• The patient’s consent to transition and any special considerations (e.g., language or access needs).
• Contact information for CFEH if you need additional support.

Consider referring the patient to a colleague with the required imaging capabilities, or to an ophthalmologist if appropriate.

If you detect deterioration in the patient’s condition, refer them onto an Ophthalmologist. Alternatively, you might consider utilising CFEH’s telehealth service for advice on management.

No, you do not need to contact CFEH unless:

• You need clarification on the patient’s medical history or follow-up instructions.
• You have concerns about the patient’s condition. CFEH’s clinical team is available for telehealth consultations and support.

CFEH receives referrals from various sources, including GPs and hospitals. If the patient lacks an optometrist referral, they may nominate a preferred community optometrist, such as you, for ongoing care.

For existing patients, please update their recall status in your practice management system upon receiving transfer information from CFEH. New patients referred to your practice are advised by CFEH to book follow-up appointments with you. If the patient was originally referred by a GP, the referring provider remains responsible for follow-up facilitation.

For any questions or concerns about a patient’s discharge or the protocol, please contact CFEH’s clinical team for assistance.

enquiries@cfeh.com.au

We welcome your feedback to help improve our transfer process. A feedback survey will be sent following the protocol’s implementation, or you can contact us directly with any suggestions.

Yes, you are still welcome to refer patients to CFEH. However, if a patient is deemed low-risk after their initial assessment, they may be transferred back to your care.