2.2.6 Makes an appropriate judgement regarding referral and understands referral pathways.

Question 1

Possible options:

Answer 1

1. Do nothing
2. Observe
3. Optometric review (decreased recall interview)
4. Refer/inform GP
5. Refer to HES
    How to explain course of action to px

Question 2

Notification

Answer 2

• Send a letter to the GP to notify them of the outcome of a sight test i.e., referral for AMD
• GP has advised ST and you are notifying them on the outcome
• Statutory instrument 365 (2013) states “where a contractor or ophthalmic practitioner tests the sight of a px with diabetes or glaucoma there is no longer a need to notify the px’s doctor of the test results.”

Question 3

Referral

Answer 3

• You observe findings which cannot be managed within your scope of practice, and you should refer the patient to an appropriate practitioner
• Emergency = same day = contact ARC / on-call / triage nurse / switch board; patient takes letter in hand to HES
• Urgent = 2-4 weeks = SCI gateway
• AMD rapid access
• Routine = 6+ months = SCI gateway
• Private = Rosshall BMI, Nuffield, Ayrshire eye clinic

 Reason for referral, images if appropriate
 Details of discussion with patient
 Level of urgency