Many ophthalmic problems
present to General Practice. GPs have a fundamental role in management
of many common ophthalmological conditions e.g. conjunctivitis, allergy
and dry eye. However, more and more primary eye care is being performed
by optometrists
Patients are encouraged to attend their local optometrist as the
primary point of contact for eye care in the community. It is acceptable
for GPs to consider referral to an optometrist who has the equipment
necessary to carry out detailed refraction, corneal and fundal
examinations when this may not be possible in general practice. We have
uploaded a referral form you may wish to use when you advise a patient
to attend an optometrist for an assessment.
If a referral to secondary care is required please ensure that patients are aware of the reason(s) for referral.
If you organise an emergency/out of hours appointment for a patient
please advise them of the possibility they may have dilating drops. You
can find more information about this on the page ‘Information for attending appointments’
Please also read the following appendix on the Lothian GP and Optometrist referral pathway for information on referring to ophthalmology at the PAEP and St Johns.
