Referrals

Although the regulations appear to restrict referrals to hospital only, the Department of Health's guidance makes it clear that referrals can still be made to a patient’s GP. The regulations also allow patients to be referred via a referral centre. In summary, the optometrist retains the discretion whether or not to refer a patient for medical attention. If they do not refer, they must record the patient's condition, advice and treatment given (if any), and the reason why they are not making a referral. If appropriate, they may inform the patient’s general medical practitioner. It is important to note that a practitioner should provide the same standard of care as that offered in a similar set of circumstances by a reasonably competent optometrist possessing up to date skills i.e. the peer view – this may or may not be the same as guidelines issued by the College of Optometrists.

The AOP's guidance on referrals can be viewed in the pdf document below and may be updated from time to time, according to developments.

One issue that crops up regularly in cases dealt with by the AOP's legal department is that of referrals and events leading up to referrals. It seems very simple and it is easy to believe that you make a referral and that’s the end of it. Very often that is true, but the process can also be fraught with dangers. Is the referral appropriate? Is it going to the right place?

Click on the pdf at the bottom of the page to read an article on 'referring safely' which was published in OT on 26 November 2010.