Finally, good news in terms of health in Sarthe: in the last weeks of 2020, delays in having an appointment with an ophthalmologist have significantly decreased. Before, you often had to wait more than a year to get an appointment. A few days before the end of the year, it is possible to have an appointment in less than a month, thanks in particular to the platform Ophthamaine.
– Christelle Caillot
The success of this operation
Ophtamaine is a platform that was set up by three ophthalmologists and ten orthoptists from the southern health center in Le Mans, in partnership with centers in Allonnes and Château-du-Loir. In fact, it is the orthoptists who make the first consultations, and which then refer if necessary to an ophthalmologist.
It is a success for one of the ophthalmos at the origin of this operation: “You have to realize that not all patients need a heavy consultation with an ophthalmologist, explains Jean-Bernard Rottier. In addition, all of our orthoptists have been trained to detect the slightest signs of eye disease. This formula makes it possible to meet demand and greatly reduces delays.
In fact, if it is simply a loss of vision, the patient leaves with their prescription and if there are any complications, it is then seen by an ophthalmologist. Suddenly, this new care for patients in Sarthe greatly reduces delays.
A fast, serious and efficient system
Charlotte, who lives in Le Mans and who has been wearing glasses for a few years, had her appointment in less than a week. Before, she had to wait at least six months. She finds the Ophtamaine platform very effective and serious. For her, this is not a consultation on the cheap.
The follow-up is fast and efficient for Rachida, who is coming for the second time for her 9-year-old son.
I was a little nervous at first, but then I saw that it was very good.
Dr Ballan is an orthoptist at the South Health Center. For him, it is true that his profession has the image of a doctor who only re-educates the eyes. But he believes that the creation of the platform was accompanied by all the necessary guarantees : “It must be said that we have been heavily trained for several months in different pathologies. In addition, in the event of serious symptoms on a patient, he is directly referred to an ophthalmologist for more extensive care, treatment or even a surgery.”
And in this late December, if you’re calling for a date, you should have a date for mid-January. Another platform was also set up at Le Mans in the spring which also makes it possible to reduce delays: this is Alliance Vision. The latter did not respond to our interview request.
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