The Centre of Eye Research Australia (CERA) is encouraging Australia’s nurses to take part in a survey to get a snapshot of the workforce and shape the discussion about nurses’ involvement in eyecare.
Lead CERA researcher Heather Machin, a registered nurse, said they will gather key information about the settings where nurses care for people with eyecare needs and the roles they perform. “We hope the data collected in this survey will contribute to policy discussions about the future of eye health services in Australia and the role of nurses in how they are delivered.’’
Although there is a wealth of data about eyecare professionals such as orthoptists, optometrists and ophthalmologists, there is no data on nurses, Machin said, despite it being the largest healthcare provider group and critical in many settings.
“We know that eyecare nurses work in specialist hospitals like the Eye and Ear here in Melbourne, but we are also keen to get a fuller picture of those working in settings like private ophthalmology practices, domiciliary care, community or Indigenous health settings, who may not identify as an eyecare nurse, yet they are providing eyecare to patients.’’
Machin said her team also wants to hear nurses’ views on training, their role in eyecare and what can be done to attract and retain nurses with specialist eyecare skills. “With an ageing nursing workforce and an ageing population with greater eyecare needs, it’s critical we start planning for the future,’’ she said.
