Embedding Eye Health Preventative Care into Primary Care Pilot Project

The Embedding Eye Health Preventative Care into Primary Care Pilot Project aimed to increase eye screening rates and detection of eye conditions and disease for at-risk groups in Victoria, and to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness and vision loss.

The project was funded by the Victorian Department of Health and implemented in five primary health networks (PHNs). Murray and Eastern Melbourne PHNs led development and implementation.

48 general practices across Victoria participated in the project, including 10 in the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) catchment.

Vision 2020 Australia developed online educational modules and webinars for participating GPs to build their knowledge in the identification, treatment and diagnosis of eye conditions.

NWMPHN practices completed 620 eye health referrals throughout the project period.

The project enhanced formal referral pathways and correspondence between GPs and eye health specialists, with GPs referring more often to optometrists after the pilot concluded.

Practices provided case studies that showed the project had supported successful integration of eye health into standard care in three distinct ways:

• Improved identification of the need for eye screening
• More frequent in-practice assessments
• Stronger referral processes