(1) to (2) I have been in discussion with the Chief Executive of Hunter New England Local Health District to discuss the ophthalmology service, in particular the functioning of the outpatient clinics.Those who need urgent or emergency eye care can continue to receive it through the John Hunter Hospital Emergency Department. This has not changed. In addition, people who are referred for eye surgery can continue to have those surgeries done at local hospitals, including John Hunter.The majority of visiting medical officers who had provided the outpatient clinics for many years were unwilling to continue without significant additional equipment and staffing resources. However, the uveitis outpatient clinic continues to be in place. People who need non-urgent care can continue to see ophthalmologists in their private rooms or offices as Medicare patients. Appointments with GPs, other local specialists, optometrists and referrals to the state ophthalmic facility are other options.