Important update for SA optometrists: upcoming WCHN waitlist audit letters

South Australian optometrists are advised that the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) is undertaking a detailed review of long-term Priority Two and Priority Three patients on the ophthalmology waitlist. As part of this audit, families will soon begin receiving a letter requesting that a local optometrist review their child and that an updated clinical report be forwarded to the hospital.

This process aims to ensure that children who remain on the waitlist still require ophthalmology care and that their current clinical priority is accurate. Given the significant demand for public paediatric ophthalmology services, updated optometry findings are essential in allowing the hospital to triage and manage referrals effectively.

What families and optometrists are being asked to do

Parents or guardians have been instructed to:

• Book an appointment with an optometrist of their choice within two months of receiving the letter.
• Bring the letter with them to the appointment.

Following the consultation, optometrists must then complete the accompanying report and fax it to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The report template specifies the key information required, including:

• Best corrected monocular visual acuity and the test type used
• Glasses worn at the time of testing
• Any updated refraction
• Ocular alignment and motility findings
• Relevant past ocular or medical history, if known

Optometrists are encouraged to provide a complete, concise report to assist the hospital in confirming ongoing clinical needs and assigning an appropriate priority category.

What this means for you

You may notice an increase in families presenting with this letter (a sample of which can be read here) over the coming weeks. The information requested is straightforward and aligns with routine paediatric optometry assessment. Your co-operation in providing timely reports will directly support accurate triage and help ensure that children with the most urgent needs are seen as soon as possible.

When an earlier referral is appropriate

Whilst all optometrists are qualified to see children, some practitioners have a particular interest in paediatric care. If you assess a child who requires intervention sooner than their waitlist reassessment, please remember that inter-optometrist referral remains an important pathway. You are encouraged to liaise with colleagues who may have the capacity to review the child earlier, or to consider whether alternative local options are available that may help prevent unnecessary delay for the family.

Questions or comments

For any further information or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach Cassandra Haines, State Lead South Australia at c.haines@optometry.org.au.