Please note the Ophthalmology Primary Care Referral Guidelines have been updated.
In doing so, patients accepted for care in our Glaucoma Collaborative Clinic (GCC)do not meet the glaucoma clinical threshold criteria for care at the Eye and Ear so the decision was made to not continue our GCC. For more information, please view our FAQ below
The GCC provided diagnostic and ophthalmic review for low risk glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients from the Eye and Ear.
The Eye and Ear has aligned our Glaucoma Specialist Care Referral Guidelines with the Department of Health’s Statewide Ophthalmology Referral Guidelines. As a result it became apparent that patients attending the GCC did not meet the glaucoma clinical threshold criteria for care at the Eye and Ear so the decision was made to not continue our GCC.
The Department of Health’s Statewide Ophthalmology Referral Guidelines set the clinical threshold based on several medical factors. As their condition does not meet this threshold, their condition is not at the point in which the hospital can provide treatment.
The GCC provided diagnostic and ophthalmic review for low risk glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients from the Eye and Ear. When we received their referral, it was reviewed according to our previous guidelines, and they qualified to be seen at the GCC. However, since then, we have updated our guidelines to align with the Department of Health’s Statewide Ophthalmology Referral Guidelines. Because of these changes, patients accepted for care at the GCC no longer meet the glaucoma clinical threshold criteria for care at the Eye and Ear, so the decision was made to not continue our GCC clinic.
The Department of Health’s Statewide Ophthalmology Referral Guidelines set the clinical threshold based on several medical factors. As their condition does not meet this threshold, their condition is not at the point in which the hospital can provide treatment.
The GCC provided diagnostic and ophthalmic review for low risk glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients from the Eye and Ear. These stages can be managed effectively in the community by Optometrists and GPs. When a patient’s glaucoma advances to the point where it needs intervention and treatment, they may be referred to the Eye and Ear.
Patients and their referrers are in the process of being contacted to advise that they/their patients have been discharged from the GCC waiting list. We encouraged patients to contact and continue their care with their GP or Optometrist or consider accessing optometry review at the Australian College of Optometry.
Yes, patients can contact the Australian College of Optometry to organise an appointment. Their phone number is (03) 9349 7400.
If they patient believes their condition has worsened, they are able to send through a new optometry referral to the hospital for assessment. If it is an emergency, our Emergency Department is open 24/7 and located at 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, 3002.
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