Scottish region shows rise in referrals quality

A study to assess the quality of referrals from optometrists in north-east Scotland to the hospital glaucoma services has revealed a significant increase in true positives since the implementation of the new GOS contract in April 2006.

Researchers from the Department of Ophthalmology, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary looked at two six-month periods - one before the introduction of the new GOS contract (from June to November 2005) and the other after (from June to November 2006).

Researchers reviewed the community optometrist referral forms and compared them to the hospital glaucoma service notes.

In all, 183 referrals were made during the first period and 120 referrals were made during the second period.