ZEISS Launches Collaborative Care Platform to Bridge the Gap Between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists

New browser-based solution aims to streamline referrals and data sharing across the ophthalmic care pathway

Global medical technology giant ZEISS has unveiled a new digital platform designed to tackle one of the most persistent pain points in eye care: fragmented communication between clinicians.

Launched on 23 February, ZEISS Collaborative Care is a browser-based software application that allows eye care professionals to securely share patient data, send structured referrals, and collaborate in real time, regardless of what practice management or data systems they currently use.

Built on the ZEISS Healthcare Data Platform (HDP), the solution can be deployed either as a standalone cloud application or as an integrated extension of ZEISS FORUM, the company's existing on-premises data management system. That flexibility is likely to appeal to Australian practices operating across a range of digital infrastructure environments, from large hospital-based ophthalmology departments to independent optometry practices.

The platform is organised around three core functions. The Share function allows clinicians to exchange images, reports and patient data to seek second opinions and consult on complex cases via real-time chat. The Refer function provides a structured, trackable referral workflow addressing the notoriously inefficient back-and-forth that can delay specialist care. The Network function is designed to help build stronger professional connections between optometrists and ophthalmologists over time.

Magnus Reibenspiess, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Strategic Business Unit Ophthalmology at ZEISS Medical Technology, said the platform reflects years of close collaboration with customers. "ZEISS Collaborative Care is an important step forward in our vision, bringing care teams closer together for more efficient patient care," he said.

The co-management model between optometrists and ophthalmologists is well established in Australia, but improving the flow of information between them has been an ongoing challenge. In a submission to the Australian Parliament, Optometry Australia noted that the patient management systems used by most optometry practices lack sharing and referral functionality, and do not conform with My Health Record creating barriers to participation in national digital health infrastructure. The peak body has separately called for interoperable digital systems to underpin nationally consistent care pathways, and for reforms that reduce unnecessary duplication and administrative burden. Research from a Sydney public hospital ophthalmology clinic reinforces the problem at the clinical coalface: a study published in BMC Ophthalmology found that most referrals were incomplete in content, leading to triage based on limited clinical information, and highlighted a need for improved communication and feedback among the patient's relevant health professionals.

The new digital platform of ZEISS makes its global debut at 100% Optical in London later this week (28 February – 2 March), followed by a showing at Vision Expo in Orlando in mid-March.

There is no confirmed Australian release date at this stage. Eyecare professionals interested in the platform can find more information at zeiss.com/collaborative-care.