OptomConnect is a new service designed to match Australian optometry practices with locums. Developed by Kyrillos Mansour, who practised as an optometrist in Sydney before pivoting to app development, OptomConnect is able to match locums with practices within seconds.

“When I worked as an optometrist, I experienced the inconvenience that arose for patients and staff when a practitioner suddenly couldn’t come in – not to mention the loss of revenue,” Mr Mansour explained. “Locum positions were often filled by word of mouth, or via WhatsApp/ LinkedIn or Facebook and that can take time, especially for regional practices. I could see it was a nightmare for practice owners, so I decided to find a solution.”

Launched earlier this year, OptomConnect requires optometrists to create a professional profile to ensure opportunities are presented that match their level of experience, clinical interest, and geographic availability. Having put themselves forward for locum work and been verified as registered with the Australian Practitioner Health Regulation Agency, they receive instant notifications as positions become available. Locums can put themselves forward for a role and manage their shift schedule online. They can also communicate directly with the practice, ensuring clarity, confidentiality, and efficiency.

For optometry practices, shifts can be posted to a wide pool of optometrists in seconds, then managed and tracked directly from the app. Insights into a practice’s use of locums can be drawn from the app and used for human resource management and budgeting.

With around 500 optometrists already listed on the app as available to work, Mr Mansour said practices are reporting as many as 98% of locum positions advertised on the app are being filled within 24 hours, especially in metropolitan areas.

Visit: optomconnect.com.au