Information for GPs


Information for GPs

Referrals & Extended Services

To check the referral information and extended services available for your area, select Referrals on the top menu and then select your area

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 extended service referral pathways is available on the dedicated page here.

Patient Information

There are various patient information leaflets about eye conditions available here

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

Symptoms such as recent flashes and floaters, or red painful eyes are not appropriate for sight tests and should be referred to your local Minor Eye Conditions Service if there is one in the area.