Rahat Husain
Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
Title: Collaborations between optometrists and ophthalmologists in the care of eye patients in Singapore
Biography
Biography: Rahat Husain
Abstract
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 fit-for-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.