Orthoptic Standing Committee (OSC)
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Background: the primary aims of the OSC are to evaluate orthoptic services in the public sector and the broader community and to consider different models of ophthalmic service delivery involving orthoptists.
Following the implementation of the 'Families First' policy by NSW Health, vision screening no longer occurs in schools. Vision surveillance and screening must now be undertaken prior to school entry. The OSC has been working with PH&CP Branch of NSW Health to review the vision section of the Personal Health Record (PHR) or Blue Book given to each mother on the birth of her child. A small working party comprising community nurses, general practitioners, paediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists developed and agreed protocols for vision surveillance and screening techniques. These protocols informed recommendations for updating the vision section of the Blue Book. OSC recommendations were accepted by NSW Health and included in the revised version released in March 2007. Following its release the then Minister for Health, announced funding of about $14 million over 4 years for the StEPS program.
