The Eye Care Advocate

Referral Guidance Links

Welcome to our comprehensive compilation of referral-related links. In the world of optometry, seamless referrals to ophthalmology are paramount. Ensuring the accuracy of referral pathways, their urgency, and the information conveyed is crucial for timely and effective patient care. Given the nuances across devolved nations and local Care Commissioning Groups (CCGs), navigating these pathways can be a complex task.

This curated list of links provides access to both national and local guidance, serving as an invaluable resource for those operating within various CCG areas, locum practitioners, and professionals keen on staying abreast of local protocol changes.

Please bear in mind that while this list is extensive, it may not encompass all scenarios. Always exercise your professional clinical judgment to guarantee adherence to the appropriate referral protocols for any given situation.

College of Optometrists General Referral Guidance
It is important to know when, how, where and to whom you are referring your patient, including what you have to record on the patient’s record, what to inform the patient and what should be included on the referral. This thorough guidance will aid in ensuring efficient transfer of care.

College of Optometrists Annex 4 – Urgency of Referrals Table
If in doubt with a local guideline, or should a guideline not exist for your current area, please refer back to this table from the College of Optometrists. This table shows expected referral urgency.

College of Optometrists Clinical Management Guidelines
In many cases, knowing when to manage in practice or refer can be difficult. The College of Optometrists have compiled an always-updating list on the most commonly found ocular pathology with the latest guidance on how to manage or appropriately refer.

NICE Guideline 77 [NG77 – October 2017] – Cataract Referrals
NICE Guideline 77 is useful to consider in addition to locally commissioned guidelines because it provides nationally recognised, evidence-based standards for cataract management. This guideline ensures consistency and quality of care across the country, minimising regional variations and ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment based on the latest research and clinical expertise. It serves as a comprehensive reference point that primary care providers can trust to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes on a broader scale.

NICE Guideline 81 [NG81- November 2017] – Glaucoma Referrals
NICE Guideline 81, titled “Glaucoma: diagnosis and management,” is a crucial reference for healthcare providers in the UK. It offers evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, a serious eye condition. Following this guideline and its implications for referral ensures that patients with glaucoma receive accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, safeguarding their vision.

Here are some helpful links to pages that explain how to refer patients to specialist care when needed. Most of these links will take you to your Local Optical Committee (LOC) website, where you can find the latest information on referral processes in your area. This list is especially handy for locum optometrists who work across different local areas.

Electronic GOS18 Template
The GOS18 is a universal referral form that can be used to refer to ophthalmology either directly (see your local guidance) or via the GP. The form also allows for referral to the GP or other specialties that you see fit. This electronic form allows you to fill in and print/electronically submit a GOS18 (print as PDF).

WECS 2 – GP Notification Template (Wales)
Under the Welsh contract, all EHEW related appointments require a report to the GP. This is an electronic form, sourced directly from the WOPEC website. Further information on the use of this form can be found via WOPEC.

WECS 3 – Referral from Optometry to Ophthalmology (Wales)
Referral to ophthalmology can be made directly via the WECS 3 form. This comprehensive form must be used to refer patients into NHS secondary care in Wales. This is an electronic version of the form, sourced from the WOPEC website. Further information on the use of this form can be found via WOPEC.

We value your input and strive for the accuracy and relevance of our referral guidance list. If you come across any overlooked regions, encounter broken links, or believe that any links are inappropriate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Likewise, if you have valuable suggestions for links that should be added to enhance this resource, we’re all ears.

Rest assured, we regularly review and scrutinise the links on this list to maintain their suitability and accuracy. Your contributions play a vital role in ensuring the excellence of this referral guidance repository.

Links last reviewed 28/12/2023.

While we’ve carefully selected and provided these external links for your convenience, please be aware that we do not control or maintain the content on these third-party websites. We cannot be held responsible for the accuracy, relevance, or safety of the information found on these external sites. Proceed with caution and use your discretion when navigating to them. If you encounter any issues or concerns with these links, please let us know, and we will investigate promptly.

Remember, it is the referring clinician’s responsibility to ensure their patient has been referred via the correct pathway and with the most appropriate urgency. As some cases may not follow guidelines exactly, your own professional judgement should be used to act in the best interest of your patient. The Eye Care Advocate, nor third parties listed on this page, will not accept liability for inaccurate or inappropriate referrals.