March 2004

First step on path to global ophthalmic network

The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) has moved towards linking major ophthalmic institutions globally by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Singapore National Eye Centre Pte Ltd (SNEC).

The memorandum of understanding enables co-operation and collaboration on the delivery of eye services, including research and development and the education of medical, nursing and allied staff.

The proposed international network will be dedicated to the advancement of ophthalmic science and service, allowing Australian medical, nursing and allied health staff to develop professional interactions and collaboration across a range of clinical services, teaching and research.

The network will provide seamless continuous ophthalmic care of the highest quality to Australian patients who are residents of, or travelling in, the countries of the respective eye centres.

Australian eye patients will benefit from the latest technology for rapid transmission of clinical and research information to facilitate patient care, quality assurance benchmarking and joint research activities.

The network will also provide continuing medical education for ophthalmologists and other medical practitioners in the Southeast Asian Region and beyond, using the latest educational methodology and technology.