Optomate and KeepSight integration: What optometrists need to know

Following the recent integration between KeepSight and optometry practice management solution provider Optomate, more optometrists can now automatically register their patients with diabetes for eye check reminders.

About KeepSight

Launched in 2018, KeepSight is a Diabetes Australia program that aims to reduce diabetes-related vision loss and blindness by encouraging people currently living with diabetes and registered on the National Diabetes Services Scheme to schedule regular comprehensive eye examinations with an optometrist or other eye health professional.

Currently, nearly 300,000 people with diabetes are registered with KeepSight to receive free reminders from Diabetes Australia by either by letter, SMS or email when their next diabetes eye check is due.

Optometry Australia Interim CEO Skye Cappuccio says the recent integration of KeepSight with Optomate means more optometrists now have the opportunity to utilise the integrated platform to streamline the process of recalling patients with diabetes.

‘This extremely important system has the potential to save sight and reduce unnecessary blindness in Australia,’ she said.

‘By expanding KeepSight to include Optomate, more optometrists can now simplify the recall process for patients with diabetes. It will complement the care that optometrists already provide to their patients.

‘We know that optometrists play an essential role in the prevention and management of eye disease – this is just further emphasised by programs such as KeepSight.

‘We encourage our members to get involved with the program as it’s beneficial for all those involved in the care of people living with diabetes.’

Continuity of care

All KeepSight reminders encourage patients to return to the practice where they last had an eye check for continuity of clinical care, increasing the chance of return visits.

KeepSight Program Director Taryn Black said the reminder messages that are sent to people with diabetes are designed to support existing optometry recall systems.

‘We know that regular checks and early detection are the key to dramatically reducing the incidence of vision loss from diabetes,’ she said.

‘Our free activation system is driving thousands of people with diabetes to Australia’s optometrists, enabling them to deliver many more comprehensive eye examinations, safeguarding sight.

‘The KeepSight “find a provider” function helps people with diabetes without an existing eye care provider to identify optometry practices near them and help to facilitate appointment bookings.

‘As well as benefiting people with diabetes through early detection, the program is also driving an increase in first appointments and return appointments.

‘Diabetes Australia’s KeepSight branded reminder messages that are sent to people with diabetes support existing optometry recall systems. The messages include the name of the practice that enrolled the person to encourage the patient to return to that practice for continuity of clinical care.

‘Our consumer research has indicated that Australians with diabetes welcome additional reminders for diabetes health care appointments. It also indicates reminders from Diabetes Australia are particularly valued by people as the organisation is regarded as an independent advocate for people living with diabetes.

‘We also take data security very seriously and all appropriate steps are taken to protect personal and sensitive information.’

How to register your patients with KeepSight using Optomate 

You can follow the steps below, or download the instructions from the KeepSight website here.

 Step 1: Check the “I use KeepSight” option in your Branch Setup. (Note this a one-off step to be done prior to seeing the patient.)

Step 2: If you have a patient with diabetes (and have marked Yes), you will notice that the KeepSight button appears highlighted. Once you have completed a new examination record, click on the KeepSight button in the exam toolbar.

Step 3: Ask the patient for their consent to register them with KeepSight and choose the appropriate options below. The “Contact Period” is the interval before you’d like the client to receive reminders. After receiving consent, click OK to register the patient.

Diabetes Australia has also created a list of simple language options that optometrists may find beneficial when discussing the KeepSight program with their patients.

Members who have an interest in diabetes care are also reminded to update their membership details to highlight this interest to prospective patients who are searching for an optometrist using our Find an Optometrist search platform.

To find out more about KeepSight, please visit www.keepsight.org.au.