A new glaucoma clinic, established in partnership between the Australian College of Optometry and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, will commence this month.
The clinic, for the management of patients with suspected or early glaucoma, aims to address the existing and growing demand for glaucoma services and enable safe, correct and timely management from eye care practitioners. It will be located at the Australian College of Optometry’s main clinic in Carlton and staffed by ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable and irreversible blindness worldwide. It is estimated that 3.7 per cent of the Australian population have glaucoma or are strong suspects for the disease. In Victoria it is estimated to affect over 200,000 people.
Speaking of the new clinic at an event to mark the 30th anniversary of the Victorian Eyecare Service (VES) in December, Victoria’s Health Minister the Hon. Jill Hennessy said, “As our population ages, the prevalence of glaucoma will continue to rise, placing added demand on Victoria’s eye care services and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
“We’re responding to this challenge by funding a more effective and efficient model of care that will ensure low risk glaucoma patients receive earlier care and treatment.”
Maureen O’Keefe, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian College of Optometry, said, “The collaboration between the Eye and Ear and the Australian College of Optometry in establishing a multidisciplinary collaborative glaucoma clinic is a significant step in collectively addressing the complex problems of glaucoma at its various stages and improving patient care”.
