Collaborations between optometrists and ophthalmologists in the care of eye patients in Singapore

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Rahat Husain

Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore

: Int J Ophthalmic Pathol

Abstract

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Problem: The ministry of health in Singapore has recently announced an initiative to change the landscape of healthcare from hospital to community care and from quality care to value driven care. This necessitates a change in the way ophthalmologists and optometrists manage patients. Methodology: In this presentation I will elaborate on various initiatives we have embarked upon to fulfil the ministry of health’s directives. This includes training of hospital optometrists, engaging community optometrists, virtual clinics, establishing fitfor- purpose eye centres in the community and rationalising the movement of eye patients around the island such that they are seen by the right level of professional, in the right place and at the right time. Similar models of care that have already been established in UK will be described for comparison. Findings: Models of care that have already been established will be described and data presented on patient outcomes including patient experience, safety and effect on the hospital eye service. Theoretical approaches to collaborations between optometrists and ophthalmologist will be discussed and an interactive question and answer session is anticipated. Conclusions: I hope to expound some ideas of collaborations between optometrists and ophthalmologists that draw upon the strengths of each such that patient care remains high quality but with greater value.

Biography

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Rahat Husain MBBS FRCOphth MD(Res)Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma Service, Singapore National Eye Centre. He is Director, Regional/ Community Eyecare (SingHealth), Adjunct Associate Professor, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Adjunct Senior Clinician Investigator, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Associate Program Director, SingHealth Residency (Ophthalmology).

E-mail: rahat.husain@singhealth.com.sg