The role of Optometry in collaborative models of eye care

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to systematically map and synthesise the existing global literature on the historical and contemporary roles of optometrists within collaborative models of care across hospital and community settings. Specifically, the review aims to identify the nature, scope, and evolution of optometric contributions to interdisciplinary care, the settings in which these roles are enacted, and the types of collaborative arrangements described in the literature, to highlight trends, gaps, and implications for future practice, education, and health service planning. Introduction: Optometrists currently practise within a diverse range of collaborative models of care across both hospital and community settings. However, many of these initiatives have not been rigorously evaluated, and the knowledge generated has not been disseminated widely enough to enable a comprehensive understanding of the impact and effectiveness of individual models. Consequently, there is a need to better elucidate the synergies and distinctions between existing models, as well as to identify potential gaps in service delivery, in order to inform the systematic development and optimisation of collaborative optometric care models in the future. Inclusion criteria: Collaborative care, shared cared or integrated care models involving optometrists and ophthalmologists across hospital (public and private) health systems would be included in this study. Methods: Predefined search terms will be employed, and the Covidence systematic review management software will be used to facilitate study selection. Screening of studies and grey literature against the inclusion criteria will be conducted by both the primary reviewer and a second reviewer.