1:30min
Roman Serebrianik during recording
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By Ashleigh McMillan
Journalist
Melbourne optometrist Roman Serebrianik is featured in a new educational video on acute red eye presentations, as part of Optometry Australia’s expanded GP campaign.
Mr Serebrianik discusses the common presentations for red eye, possible complications resulting from misdiagnosis and how contact lenses could impact the management of red eye conditions. The video also discusses optometry’s scope of practice and when it is appropriate to refer to an optometrist.
The GP campaign aims to increase awareness among GPs of the scope of optometric practice and improve referral pathways. Sydney optometrist Paula Katalinic appeared in a ThinkGP video on diabetic retinopathy in early 2017, which has been viewed almost 700 times.
Optometry Australia’s national clinical policy adviser Simon Hanna, who was consulted on the video, says an increased understanding of the role of optometrists assists GPs when triaging patients for further care and management.
‘It can sometimes be tricky for GPs to diagnose red eye presentations, as they may be without the appropriate or correct equipment and might not have access to diagnostic dyes,’ he said.
‘We wanted to highlight to GPs that with no waiting times, Medicare rebates and therapeutically endorsed optometrists, their patients would be managed appropriately and the GP would then be informed of the outcome.
‘We also hope the videos will create better interprofessional collaboration and communication between GPs and optometrists, which is vital for improved patient health outcomes,’ Mr Hanna said.
The video will remain on the ThinkGP website for 12 months. It is part of a broader campaign to increase collaboration between optometrists and GPs, which has included digital and print media with Reed Education and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Optometry Australia is also collaborating with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Simon Hanna will present a lecture to its members on 1 August about providing eye care and when to refer to an optometrist.