What is Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care?
The Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program is a commitment between the hospital’s glaucoma service and specific community optometrists to care for patients together. Your treating clinician at the Eye and Ear will assess your eye condition(s) and determine whether you are eligible for this program.
What are the potential benefits?
- Increased access to eye-care
- Decreased travel time to appointments
- Decreased waiting time for an appointment
- Decreased waiting time in clinics
What can I expect?
If you are eligible for the glaucoma collaborative care program, you will be advised by your treating ophthalmologist during your visit at the Eye and Ear. You will also receive information about when or whether you require ongoing review at the hospital. The treating ophthalmologist and a team of support staff at the hospital will provide suggestions of suitable optometrists for you to attend for follow-up based on where you live. Some of the participating optometrists will charge private fees (in addition to the Medicare rebate).
The selected optometrist and your GP will receive a report from the hospital outlining your participation in the Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program. You can also ask for a copy of this report for your own record. The treating ophthalmologist will provide two follow-up periods, one with the optometrist and the other with an ophthalmologist at the hospital.
Based on the follow-up period prescribed, the selected optometrist will contact you via phone or mail to arrange an appointment. The optometrist will have the specialised knowledge, equipment and information to care for your glaucoma and will update the hospital regarding your condition after every visit. When you are due to be seen by an ophthalmologist you will receive an appointment from the hospital.
Consent
You will be asked to provide consent to participate in the Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program. You may choose not to participate or you can withdraw your consent at any stage. By providing consent you are agreeing to medical information being shared between the Eye and Ear and your selected community providers.
Privacy
Only information relevant to your eye-care will be shared between the hospital and the selected community optometrist. This process meets all Eye and Ear privacy requirements. For more information on your privacy, go to: Essential patient and visitor information or contact our Privacy Officer on (03) 9929 8570
What if I choose not to participate?
The Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program aims to provide you with increased access to eye-care. If you choose not to participate your decision will not affect the care you receive at the hospital. Your clinical care will not change and you will remain under the sole care of the hospital’s glaucoma service which may have longer waiting times for an appointment.
What if I have a preferred optometrist?
The Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program has a list of community optometrists who have an agreement with the Eye and Ear, and have received specialised training from the glaucoma medical team. If you prefer a different optometrist you will not be eligible for the program and your clinical care will continue as per current arrangements.
What if I have other appointments at the Eye and Ear?
The Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program will not affect your appointments in other departments of the Eye and Ear.
Feedback
You may be invited to provide feedback during your participation in the Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program. You have a choice as to whether you wish to provide feedback or not and your identity is protected at all times. Your feedback is important to us and will be used to improve collaborative care services.
