The interface between general practice and

primary care optometry

Dr Gerry Burns

15/4/10

GP interfaces

• GPs interface with many other agencies

• This is one of their core attributes

• Comprises 2 way flow of info and patients

GP to optician

• Headaches

• Flashers and floaters

• Visual disturbance

• Is an easy to and fro

• Not so with hospitals

Optician to hospitalRAES (eye casualty)

• Red eyes• Sudden loss of vision• Orbital cellulitis• Headache and dilated pupil• Hyphaema

• But not (14/3/07)• Cataract• COAG• chalazion

Optician to GP

Copy in letter from hospital ophthalmologist to optician

Future

• LCGs & HSCB• Innovative and cost effective patient care closer to home• inequalities 5 LCG areas• Demand management• Demographics - chronic eye failure - CEF• 2005 Dept CDM strategy• NICE 2009 glaucoma• Skill mix• Screening• Specialist Optometry as an Intermediate Tier• Diabetic retinopathy screening service• Red eye clinics