Rotterdam – April 18, 2023 – From April 19, Het Oogziekenhuis Rotterdam will expand the Optometrists Center with the possibility for the influx of new patients with non-acute and low-complex eye complaints.
All over the world we are seeing an increase in patients with ophthalmic complaints and conditions. These are patients with low- and high-complex eye conditions. To better organize the increase in patient flows, we are expanding the Optometrist Center for the influx of patients with low-complex eye conditions. This is because it is not always necessary to refer a patient with eye complaints to an ophthalmologist in the hospital. They can also be very well examined and treated by a specialized optometrist.
Who works at the Optometrist Center?
The Optometrist Center employs independently employed, experienced optometrists who are educated and trained at The Eye Hospital. The optometrist takes the patient in for treatment, performs examinations and treats eye complaints. If, during the examination, it appears that specialist eye care is still needed, the optometrist refers the patient to Het Oogziekenhuis for further treatment.
What is the benefit to the patient?
By employing specialized and experienced optometrists, patients with non-acute and low-complex eye complaints can get an appointment sooner. They therefore have to wait less time; the pressure on waiting lists decreases as a result. Patients also receive high-quality, accessible care here.
By changing the inflow, we create space within the Eye Hospital for the treatment of more (new) patients who really need the expertise of the ophthalmologist. After all, as a top specialist center with an essential last resort function, we want to have and maintain sufficient space to continue treating patients with (highly) complex eye conditions.
What is the benefit to The Eye Hospital and its specialists?
This way of working allows us to optimally utilize the competencies of our optometrists and specialists. Due to the shrinking waiting list, fewer low-complex patients are referred to the ophthalmologist and we create more time at our specialists’ consultations for the high-complex patients.
Laws and regulations
In this way, the Eye Hospital also contributes to the realization of goals from the Integral Care Agreement (IZA), as we have mutually agreed within the healthcare sector. This does not mean that less ophthalmic care is provided in the hospital by ophthalmologists. It does mean that waiting times are shortened and the right care, in the right place, can be provided by the right healthcare professional. Ultimately, this results in cost savings in care for this group of patients, viewed across the entire ophthalmic chain.
How can I refer my patient to the Optometrist Center?
In Zorgdomein is the possibility to refer a patient to General Ophthalmology. No distinction is made here between a referral to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. This triage is done by Het Oogziekenhuis itself. This makes it possible to use the same referral letter from the general practitioner to still send the patient to an ophthalmologist if necessary from the optometrist.
Source: Het Oogziekenhuis Rotterdam
