1:30min
Optometry Australia has made a formal submission to the Streamliners Care Pathways Australia consultation investigating the viability of a unified national approach to care pathways. Streamliners are the initiators of HealthPathways which now operate in all the 31 Australian Primary Health Networks.
In its submission, Optometry Australia supported the concept of a unified national approach but is calling for care pathways that fully recognise and integrate optometry as a central part of primary care.
The submission emphasises the need for pathways that are consistent, patient-focused and better connected to community-based allied health services.
In its response, Optometry Australia highlighted that while care pathways are essential to an effective health system, many current pathways remain fragmented, hospital-focused and inconsistently integrated with community optometry.
This has resulted in underutilisation of optometrists who are well placed to manage prevention, early detection and ongoing care for chronic eye conditions closer to home.
The submission points out that many eye conditions currently presenting in hospitals and emergency departments could be safely and efficiently managed in community optometry.
Doing so would not only improve patient access to care but also reduce pressure on hospitals, supporting a more sustainable health system.
Inconsistent referral criteria across states and hospital networks were also raised as a key concern, creating inequities for patients, duplication for clinicians and barriers to effective shared care.
Optometry Australia emphasised that primary care pathways work best when they link general practice, optometry, other allied health providers and hospitals, supported by transparent governance, sustainable funding and interoperable digital systems.
Nationally consistent, evidence-based pathways are critical to reducing avoidable vision loss, improving access in rural and underserved communities, and enabling optometrists to practise within their full scope.
For optometrists, well-implemented care pathways can clarify referral processes and shared care responsibilities, support timely access to eye care in non-metropolitan areas, reduce unnecessary duplication and administrative burden, and strengthen the role of optometry within multidisciplinary teams.
Optometry Australia also reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with governments, Streamliners, ophthalmology and other health professions to co-design, govern and evaluate care pathways.
The organisation will continue to provide clinical expertise and resources to support implementation and will keep members informed as the work progresses.
Members with questions or feedback about the consultation are encouraged to contact national@optometry.org.au. Further details about the consultation are available here.