Kimberley region ophthalmology 2019-21: Service changes with a new regional Eye Hub at Lions Outback Vision

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate specialist eye care in the Kimberley region after introduction of the Lions Outback Vision Kimberley Hub. The regionally based service commenced in 2020 and was established in new premises with retinal surgical services since March 2021. Kimberley region serves a population of 34,364 people including 14,299 Aboriginal people (41.6%). Methods: Ophthalmology activity in the Kimberley was compared between 2019-2021 sampling the first six-months of the year with a retrospective audit of an electronic medical records database. Population-based needs were determined with a service delivery planning calculator at Indigenous Eye Health Unit, University of Melbourne. Results: In the first six-months of 2021, there were 731 ophthalmology attendances in the Kimberley region. This compares to 310 in Jan-Jun 2020 and 662 in Jan-Jun 2019. Highest rate of telehealth consultations was during first 6 months of 2020 (19.2%) compared to 2019 (4.0%) and 2021 (6.5%). Of 102 cataracts surgeries, 50 were for Aboriginal patients in first half of 2021 compared to 26 in 2020 and 32 in 2019. Reduction in the failure to attendance rates in 2021 (21.3%) compared to 2019 (29.1%). Conclusion: A regionally-based service has resulted in an uplift in specialist eye care in the Kimberley region. COVID-19 impacted the initial services in 2020 but in 2021 there has been an increase in cataract surgeries to 74% of population-based needs for 2021 (Jan-Jun). Introduction of retinal services has resulted in eleven pars-plana vitrectomies for diabetic eye disease. This audit serves as a baseline for further monitoring of service delivery in the region.