Letters: July 20

I would not refer patients to domiciliary contractors and agree with Moneo (July 13). A few years ago I saw an elderly lady from a residential home whose new glasses were an exact copy of her previous pairs, but ophthalmoscopy showed glaucomatous discs.

No instruments were used in the 'examination'. Despite little paperwork, her son traced the domiciliary firm who admitted visiting the home but had conveniently lost their records. However, they maintained that if glaucoma existed their optometrist would have detected it. Somewhat optomistic, as apparently neither fields, pressures nor ophthalmoscopy were done.

On acquiring her hospital records it became clear there was long-standing glaucoma, but she had ceased medication. This prompted some quick damage limitation, the domiciliary company now offering a complete refund. I told the son he should complain to the GOC but he could not be bothered. As he relied on ready-made glasses I also advised checking him - sure enough he had glaucoma.