The increase in internal ophthalmology positions (150 at the start of the 2014 academic year, against 106 in 2010) and the development of assisted work (25 to 30% of ophthalmologists work in cooperation with a orthoptist), would put an end to the shortage of ophthalmologists and very long waiting times. Today, it takes an average of 108 days to obtain a appointment at an ophthalmologist. A delay that can reach 368 days in some regions.
Increase the number of physicians
The SNOF fought for the number of internship positions in ophthalmology to be revised upwards. Result: from 106 in 2010, the numerus clausus (a limitation decided by a public authority) rose to 150 in 2014.
“Ophthalmology is the medical specialty most popular with students : almost 100% of places are allocated to the 25% of the best ranked pupils. It is therefore clearly not a problem of vocations. We will continue to demand an increase in the numerus clausus until the balance with retirements is reached, ie around 200 places per year ”explains Dr. Thierry Bour, President of the National Union of Ophthalmologists of France (SNOF) in a press release.
Teamwork with orthoptists
To reduce the waiting time for consultations, the SNOF has implemented a new protocol. Patients are seen by an orthoptist who performs the measurements. Then the ophthalmologist analyzes them offline and makes the prescription. A model validated by the Health Insurance, the Minister of Health, Marisol Touraine and the French. “3 out of 4 French people approve of this model. 8 out of 10 would even agree, on a personal basis, to be seen by an orthoptist as part of a follow-up visit between two examinations ”, according to the results of an IFOP survey for the SNOF. “The generalization of assisted work is a major project: this system is more and more adopted by liberal ophthalmologists (around 25% currently)” affirms Dr. Thierry Bour.
“If the public authorities follow us in our desire to modernize and revitalize the sector, the shortage could be eliminated within 10 years. The low point will be reached in 2020, then the situation will gradually improve ”concludes Dr. Thierry Bour.
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