Nedicto Entenza
Sankt Eriks Eye Hospital
Advanced Role Implementation in Corneal Topography Evaluation
My presentation is connected to the following theme
Quality of Eye Care
5 key short sentences highlighting the essence of my presentation
- Substantial corneal topography evaluation can be safely transferred to extra trained ophthalmic nurses and optometrists
- Assigning specific work tasks to extra trained medical nurses and ophthalmologists reduces physician’s workload
- Optimized workflows enhance resource utilization without added costs
- Subspecialized training of ophthalmic nurses and optometrists strengthens their professional autonomy and evolves team-based care
- Delayed physician review limits efficiency and timely patient feedback
Summary
Background: The Topography Unit at the Anterior Segment Clinic is a specialized outpatient service where patients are assessed by ophthalmic nurses or optometrists without direct physician consultation. Examinations include visual acuity testing, refraction, and corneal topography. Currently, physicians review topography results after the measurements done by ophthalmic nurse or optometrist and patients receive feedback by phone or letter. This leads to delayed feedback, increased administrative workload for physicians, and inefficient use of clinical resources.
Purpose: To improve clinical efficiency and patient-centered care by enabling specially trained ophthalmic nurses and optometrists to assess medical history, visual acuity, and corneal topography, and inform patients about results and follow-up during the visit.
Methods: The project includes identifying suitable patients, structured planning, and targeted training of ophthalmic nurses and optometrists. Training is integrated into scheduled professional development. A pilot phase with physician-supervised quality control ensures patient safety before full implementation. Risk assessment and continuous monitoring are included throughout the process.
Expected Outcomes and Conclusion: Faster patient feedback, reduced physician workload, streamlined workflow, enhanced competence and professional autonomy among subspecialized ophthalmic nurses and optometrists. Structured task shifting between professions can safely optimize resource use and enhance patient-centered eye care without increasing operational costs.
Purpose: To improve clinical efficiency and patient-centered care by enabling specially trained ophthalmic nurses and optometrists to assess medical history, visual acuity, and corneal topography, and inform patients about results and follow-up during the visit.
Methods: The project includes identifying suitable patients, structured planning, and targeted training of ophthalmic nurses and optometrists. Training is integrated into scheduled professional development. A pilot phase with physician-supervised quality control ensures patient safety before full implementation. Risk assessment and continuous monitoring are included throughout the process.
Expected Outcomes and Conclusion: Faster patient feedback, reduced physician workload, streamlined workflow, enhanced competence and professional autonomy among subspecialized ophthalmic nurses and optometrists. Structured task shifting between professions can safely optimize resource use and enhance patient-centered eye care without increasing operational costs.