Top tips for cataract referrals

Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the UK today, and most of us will need this in our lifetime. Almost half a million cataract operations are carried out each year under NHS England.¹ The independent sector carries out almost half of this work on behalf of the NHS, which means optometrists have become increasingly familiar with referral routes, and the discussions around ‘patient choice of provider’ with their patients (i.e., where patients can access the treatment they need for their cataracts).

This article aims to help optometrists to make the best referral possible for cataract treatment and is written from the perspective of the receiving end of your referrals.