Ophthalmology Service

In 1999 the NSW Minister for Health established The Greater Metropolitan Services Implementation Group (GMSIG). This group made recommendations to ensure the population of NSW had excellent access to cataract surgery, general ophthalmology consultative and other surgical services at major teaching hospitals, as well as equitable access to complex eye surgery when necessary. The NSW Statewide Ophthalmology Service (SOS) was established in November 2003 to act as a peak advisory body for public sector Ophthalmology Services in NSW. Its organisation structure includes a Governing Body which acts as a steering committee for profession and issues based subcommittees.

Ophthalmologists, Nurses, Orthoptists, Optometrists and Consumers are represented on the committees and working groups.

The SOS Governing Body meets quarterly with activities guided by its Constitution. 

The principles underpinning the recommendations from this body are:

All ophthalmologists, orthoptists and ophthalmic nurses registered and working in NSW in the public health system and duly selected consumer and community representatives, are eligible to contribute to the SOS. As such they can refer issues relating to ophthalmology services to the SOS and attend general meetings to discuss the issues.

Membership of the Governing Body comprises ophthalmologists from metropolitan Area Health Services and hospitals with Departments of Ophthalmology. As well there are representatives of the NSW Branch of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), RANZCO NSW Qualification & Education Committee, RANZCO NSW Younger Fellows Group, NSW Health Department, Rural, Nurse & Orthoptic Standing Committees, Rural Outreach, a consumer / community representative and the Executive Director.