The evolving role of the clinical optometrist

In 2014 there were more than 800,000 GOS18 referrals intended for the GP/HES¹ and many HES departments are struggling to cope with patient demand.²

Many optometrists are now undertaking more extended clinical roles either under the supervision of an ophthalmologist (in acute or community settings³) or in primary care optometric practice, either privately or through CCG-funded schemes.⁴ Modern equipment such as OCT, SLO (eg Optomap, figure 1), corneal topographers, etc, coupled with higher qualifications⁵ in therapeutics, glaucoma, medical retina and contact lenses have allowed optometrists to provide safe, convenient, good quality and cost-effective care,⁶ beyond a routine eye test, to patients with a range of ocular conditions who would otherwise attend their GP, HES or A&E.⁷