Case Studies - Cataract Clinical Care Standard
These case studies showcase best practice and innovation in cataract care. They are provided as examples to health services to assist in implementing the Cataract Clinical Care Standard.
Improving referral processes and pathways for cataract - Case Study
Surgical Ophthalmology Service (SOS) - Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
A lack of referral criteria and poor-quality referrals were undermining capacity to efficiently triage patients. Almost half of patients were returned to the waiting list instead of progressing to surgery.
The Eye and Ear team addressed the congestion using a more structured triaging process, supported by clear criteria and guidelines for referring clinicians.
This case study describes a referral and triage pathway for cataract care, consistent with the Cataract Clinical Care Standard.
Assessment of routine cataract by an upskilled nursing workforce - Case Study
One-Stop Cataract Assessment (OSCA) Eye Clinic, Westmead Hospital
Patients at the outpatient Eye Clinic at Westmead Hospital were waiting up to 18 months for specialist assessment. The Westmead team identified areas where the nursing team could make a contribution, streamlining processes and increasing the clinic’s overall capacity.
In the OSCA Clinic, non-complex patients referred for cataract surgery have their initial ophthalmic assessments conducted by credentialled nurses.
This case study describes a nurse-led assessment clinic for routine cataract, to support the launch of the Cataract Clinical Care Standard.
Streamlining the journey with nurse-led postoperative care - Case Study
Nurse-led Cataract Postoperative Examination Eye Clinic, Westmead Hospital
The outpatient Eye Clinic at Westmead Hospital was challenged by congested clinics at every point of the patient pathway. The team selected day-one postoperative care examination as the trial ground for their first nurse-led clinic, piloted in 2018.
In the Nurse-led Cataract Postoperative Examination (NICE) Clinic, specially trained nurses manage postoperative care for routine cataract surgery, reducing overall waiting times without affecting the quality of care.
This case study describes a nurse-led postoperative cataract clinic as an example of innovation in care, supporting the launch of the Cataract Clinical Care Standard.
Changing practice around post-operative topical antibiotics - Case Study
University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health Victoria
Prescribing of postoperative topical antibiotics following cataract surgery is not routinely recommended, yet the practice remains common. The Antimicrobial Stewardship team at University Hospital Geelong resolved to address the inappropriate use of postoperative topical antibiotics in their service.
The intervention and response was quick, simple and successful.
This case study describes a collaborative approach to reducing inappropriate postoperative topical antibiotic use, supporting the launch of the Cataract Clinical Care Standard.