GPs

GPs and optometrists

Did you know Australian optometrists possess a range of clinical skills and can perform the following procedures including, but not limited, to:

• Refraction – measuring the optics of the eye
• Binocular vision tests – testing the coordination of the two eyes as a team
• Ophthalmoscopy – internal examination of the eye
• Slitlamp biomicroscopy – external examination of the eye
• Tonometry – measuring the pressure of the eyeball
• Anaesthetics to perform tonometry
• Mydriatics – dilated ocular fundus exams
• Cycloplegics
• Optical dispensing – supply and management of spectacles and contact lenses

Additionally, therapeutically endorsed optometrists can prescribe ophthalmic medicines – in the form of topical eye drops – such as anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid drops to treat eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis and glaucoma.

As a GP, you can refer your patients to an optometrist for many aspects of primary eye care, including, but not limited to:

• Patient co-management
• Diabetic eye exams
• Glaucoma medication repeats
• Colour vision
• Low vision
• Children’s vision
• Vision therapy
• Workplace occupational health and safety
• Myopia control

Effective collaboration between GPs and optometrists can enhance patient care, better utilise valuable ophthalmology time and reduce public hospital waitlists.

GPs are welcome to:

• Use our ‘Find an optometrist‘ search to connect with your local optometrist
• Participate in our CPD events
• Recommend our Good vision for life website to your patients
• Contact us if you’d like to learn more about optometry and collaborating with optometrists

Resources for GPs

• Factsheet: Do you know all the things that an optometrist can do?
• Video: What happens in an eye examination
• A guide for General Practitioners on the use of Digital Retinal Photography
• Paediatric referral guide
• Adult referral guide
• Eye health resources – translated into multiple languages
• Victoria: GP referral to optometric services form