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An Important Role of Optometrists in Hong Kong's Healthcare System

Optometrists play an ever-increasing and vital role in primary eye care. They examine, diagnose and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures. Additionally, optometrists diagnose ocular manifestations related to systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and refer patients to other health practitioners as needed. To provide a comprehensive ocular and systemic diseases management, a recent healthcare reform published in 2008 strongly advocates the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork involving expertises from different health disciplines. Recently, Hospital Authority adopts this multidisciplinary primary care approach in managing patients with diabetes mellitus. In this program, more than twenty optometrists will be recruited and collaborated with other health professionals to provide a continuum of diabetic care at different Community Health Centres. In the near future, the Hospital Authority will continue to expand the multidisciplinary services in other chronic disease management and is expected to employ more optometrists.

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Optometrist is examining and recording the retinal health of diabetic patient

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