Referral patterns to an ophthalmic outpatient clinic by general practitioners and ophthalmic opticians and the role of these professionals in screening for ocular disease.

Ethnic differences in the demand incidence of retinal detachments in two districts in the West Midlands

“…25 Population studies in the UK have looked at the demand incidence of ophthalmic disease including the demand incidence of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, open-angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and eye casualty referrals. [21][22][23][24][25] However, to date there has been no such study on RRDs.…”

Community refinement of glaucoma referrals

“…This figure is very close to the number of false referrals identified at MREH in 1997 and to the published false-positive rate. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] A simple financial analysis has shown an overall cost saving of approximately d17/patient passing through the scheme. Patients referred through this scheme are normally examined by the accredited optometrists within 2 weeks of being referred compared to 2-3 months through the old pathway.…”

“…1 A significant proportion of these referrals are subsequently found to be false positives (20-65%), that is, there is little if any evidence of glaucoma. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] These false-positive referrals place unnecessary demands upon an already overstretched resource and contribute to the long waiting times between GP referral and outpatient department (OPD) appointments. The false referrals also incur considerable financial costs, both for the NHS itself and to the patient (travel, lost time at work).…”

Initial management of ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma: an evaluation of the royal college of ophthalmologists' guidelines

“…1 This includes consultants with a special interest in glaucoma and those with other special interests who see patients with glaucoma in general clinics. Although there is a large amount of published data on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment of OH and POAG, there exists a wide body of opinion concerning screening, referral, management and best practice.…”

“…Although there is a large amount of published data on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment of OH and POAG, there exists a wide body of opinion concerning screening, referral, management and best practice. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Therefore, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) guidelines 14 for the management of OH and POAG should be welcomed. The guidelines' authors, on behalf of the RCO, have clearly stated that their document represents consensus guidelines and is not to be considered a protocol for management.…”