Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists 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 an ophthalmologist, 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 ophthalmologists and optometrists can enhance patient care, better utilise valuable ophthalmology time and reduce public hospital waitlists.

Resources for ophthalmologists 

• Opportunities to promote your expertise to optometrists
• Connect with your local optometrist now and reduce your patient’s wait time today
• Optometry Australia seeks to collaborate with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO) in the development of resources to improve patient outcomes – contact us for more information on networking with optometrists.