Bolton Local Information for GPs
Information for GPs


Bolton Local Information for GPs

CUES

Eye problems such as:

  • • Red or painful eye or eyelids
    • Recently occurring flashes and floaters
    • Recent and sudden loss of vision
    • Foreign body in the eye

should be referred to one of the CUES accredited optometry practices. Advise the patient is to contact one of the CUES registered practices to arrange a consultation. This may initially be a telemed consultation. Note this is not a walk in service.

Practice Search Vist the PES website for more information

Routine Referrals

If there are concerns or questions about routine optometry referrals then please contact the referring optometrists who will be happy to help.

More information about specific referral pathways is available on the dedicated page here.

Learn More Vist the Referral information (Bolton) page on the GMLOCs website:

Cataract Referrals

All cataracts referrals should be directed through the extended service pathway provided through local optical practices to ensure that the patient is counselled on the risks and benefits, meets the referral criteria and requires and wants surgery.

Macular Degeneration

Wet AMD is an urgent condition. Optometrists in the area should be referring directly to the WetAMD service. If you received a standard referral for this condition, you should send it urgently to the Royal Bolton Hospital as follows:

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust:

Boh-tr.BoltonAcuteOphthalmicReferrals@nhs.net

Patient Information

There are various patient information leaflets about eye conditions available here:

Learn More Vist the Documents for Practitioners page on the GMLOCs website:

Hydroxychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity screening service

Bolton NHS Locality have commissioned a “Hydroxychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity screening service” which is being provided by Bolton Eye unit. Therefore, should a patient who is taking either Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine medication state that they are not under the screening program, optometrists should tell the patient to speak to their prescribing clinician who will arrange the screening at the required time/interval.

Please note that due to local shared care protocols the prescribing clinician may be either the rheumatologist or the patient's GP. Patients should be aware who is issuing their prescriptions, and this is the person that they will need to contact.

Your own patients

If you have a patient experiencing vision problems not of acute onset; if for example you suspect dry macular degeneration or headaches due to eyestrain, the patient may just need a sight test and the hospital eye service does not provide this. It is best to send these patients for a sight test with a community optometrist. This may be private or NHS depending on their age and circumstances. If they are eligible for NHS sight tests a doctor can send them for one even if they are not due for a test under the normal rules governing sight test intervals. The optometrist will write to you if they need further referral. The NHS will pay for a sight test for the following groups of patients:

    • Under 16, or aged 16,17 or 18 and in full time education

    • Aged 60 or over

    • Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma

    • Considered to be at risk of glaucoma by an ophthalmologist

    • Aged 40 or over and have an immediate relative with glaucoma

    • Registered blind or partially sighted

    • Eligible for an NHS Complex Lens Voucher

    • Claiming certain benefits

    • On a low income and named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate