Shared information to assist referrals

An agreement has been reached on the sharing of patient information between ophthalmologists and optometrists following referrals.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists issued the new advice last week, stating that subject to patient consent, ophthalmologists should share clinical information with the referring optometrist.

College president David Parkins said: ‘Having this information to hand when the optometrist sees the patient again helps avoid unnecessary re-referrals and will reduce the duplication of tests.’