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SharedCare is transforming how optometrists deliver medical eye care and how clinics build meaningful referral partnerships with family physicians. As chronic eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and AMD rise across Canada, GPs are seeking trusted optometrists who can provide accessible, long-term management for their patients. Care1’s SharedCare system makes this easier than ever.
What Is SharedCare?
SharedCare is a collaborative care model where multiple healthcare professionals work together behind the scenes to support a single patient’s care plan. Although the patient sees only their optometrist in person, they benefit from the expertise of a full interdisciplinary team including ophthalmologists who review imaging and weigh in as needed.
SharedCare is widely used across healthcare systems (mental health, diabetes, stroke, oncology, and more) because it improves access, continuity, and quality of care. In eye care, it's particularly effective for chronic conditions like diabetes and AMD.
With Care1, SharedCare can be fully digital. ODs conduct the in-person visit; OMDs provide virtual oversight and treatment recommendations only when surgery or urgent care is required.
How SharedCare on Care1 Helps Grow Your Practice
1. Generate More Referrals for AMD & Diabetic Screening
Family physicians are actively looking for reliable, medical-focused optometry clinics. SharedCare makes your services visible and trusted leading to:
- Increased referrals for diabetic eye exams
- More AMD screening for patients over 50
- Consistent referral pathways from nearby clinics
Every case you upload to Care1 automatically sends a report back to the patient’s GP, reinforcing your role as their go-to eye care provider.
2. Build Stronger Referral Relationships With GPs and Specialists
GPs often struggle to know which OD clinic to refer to especially when equipment, medical expertise, and comfort levels vary between clinics. SharedCare helps clarify that instantly.
With every upload, Care1 automatically faxes:
- A SharedCare Team Letter to the patient’s GP
- A clear summary of findings
- Your diagnostic services and care plan
Your clinic becomes recognizable as a medical eye care centre, strengthening your relationship with physicians in your region.
Care1 also sends a SharedCare Newsletter twice a year to surrounding GPs, promoting referrals for diabetic patients and those needing AMD screening.
3. Save Staff Time With Automated Communication
SharedCare removes the manual work that usually slows clinics down.
Care1 automates:
- Report sharing
- Letters to family doctors
- Follow-up documentation
- Communication with specialists
Your staff no longer need to generate letters or call GPs. Care1 handles it saving time while improving the consistency of your communication.
