Authors: (including presenting author): :
Li WS(1), Lai SW(1), Leung SH(1), Lam NM(2), Yip KC(2), Yuen KL(2), Chan KM(2), Li YC(1), Ko SH(1)
Affiliation: :
1Department of FM&PHC, KCC; 2Department of Ophthalmology, HKEH
Keyword 1: :
Family medicine
Keyword 2: :
Ophthalmology
Keyword 3: :
Joint clinic
Keyword 4: :
Collaboration
Introduction: :
A joint Family Medicine–Ophthalmology Service was launched at KCCFMC in April2023 as a pilot initiative to trial an integrated service model.
Objectives: :
The aim was to enhance the capacity of family physicians in managing common eye conditions encountered in primary care and to improve service accessibility for patients, while maintaining clinical safety through specialist collaboration.
Methodology: :
During initial phase, one FM doctor paired with an ophthalmologist from HKEH. A structured training program was implemented, covering the use of ophthalmic equipment (slit lamp, auto-refractor, non-contact tonometer (NCT), indirect ophthalmoscope), minor procedures (e.g. eyelash removal), and management of common conditions (e.g. early cataract, chronic floaters, dry eye, trichiasis, epiphora). Nurses received training from Nurse Consultant (Ophthalmology) in performing NCT, Schirmer’s test, and nasolacrimal duct syringing/probing, while healthcare assistants were trained in visual acuity checking and procedures assisting. Training was delivered through regular onsite sessions in FMC as well as attachment at HKEH. After initial training, FM doctors conducted semi-independent sessions with mid-session ophthalmologist supervision for case review and safety assurance. From March2025, full independent FM sessions were scheduled monthly, with quarterly joint review sessions for continuous quality improvement and skills reinforcement. Two FM doctors participated in the pilot, one commencing April2023 and another in October2024, with the first acting as mentor to the second.
Result & Outcome: :
Result
By December2025, 26 sessions (20 joint and 6 independent) were conducted, reviewed total of 213 patients. Case management was completed at primary-care level for 145 patients (68%), while 66 (31%) were referred to the Eye Hospital for further assessment or specialist intervention. The program faced challenges related to manpower and consultation room availability, limiting session frequency and training continuity. Nonetheless, feedback indicated enhanced ophthalmic knowledge and procedural confidence among FM doctors and nurses. Patients were satisfied with the timely assessment and nurse education in community, without the need to attend hospitals’ Specialist Out-patient. The first trained FM doctor subsequently delivered educational lecture on common eye disease management to departmental colleagues, further extending service impact. Conclusion
The pilot joint service demonstrated feasibility and safety of integrating basic ophthalmic care into FM practice through structured interdepartmental training and collaboration. Despite resource constraints, the model strengthened FM doctors’ capability in eye disease management and improved primary-care ophthalmic service accessibility. Ongoing refinement, increased session frequency, and expansion of trained personnel are recommended to optimize sustainability.
