Expanding Professional Roles in Ophthalmology: Innovative Care Models for Nurses and Optometrists

Abstract

The healthcare landscape is continuously evolving, with innovative care models emerging to address challenges in service delivery, particularly in specialist fields like ophthalmology. This article examines how the professional roles of nurses and optometrists are expanding within ophthalmology to enhance patient care, reduce wait times, and address workforce shortages. Through analysis of emerging evidence, this paper explores various task-shifting and task-sharing models, evaluates their safety and efficacy, and discusses the ethical, regulatory, and practical considerations associated with role expansion. The evidence suggests that well-designed nurse-led and optometrist-led services can safely deliver specific ophthalmic procedures and screening, potentially increasing service capacity while maintaining quality of care. However, successful implementation requires appropriate training, clear protocols, supportive regulatory frameworks, and ongoing evaluation. This review provides insights for healthcare planners, administrators, and clinicians seeking to optimize ophthalmology service delivery through innovative professional role expansion.