WET AMD

We have identified a problem with  WET AMD referrals either due to a locum from outside the area not knowing the correct pathway, or one of our patients attending a practice outside our area. This is  especially an issue for domi providers who work over several PCT areas.  In both scenarios the referral seems to end up at the GP and even if they refer it urgently it sometimes  goes to the wrong hospital. Several patients have ended up on the wrong pathway due to this.

As you know,  WET AMD can progress within weeks to irreversible eye damage and blindness, if not treated immediately. This is a risk to the patients vision and to the referring optometrist. Missed and inappropriately referred  WET AMD has now overtaken RD as the biggest reason for ending up at the GOC. Please follow the referral pathway on the website. There are different pathways for Western Cheshire and Central And Eastern Cheshire. To find details outside this area, please check the appropriate LOC website for that area. http://www.loc-net.org.uk/

PETITION FOR COMPULSARY DRIVERS EYE TEST LAUNCHED

An e-petition to make a full eye examination a compulsory element of the UK driving test has been set up.

Should 100,000 people sign the e-petition, which was launched on January 31, it will be debated in the House of Commons, on that the condition the issue is not subject to legal proceedings, is inappropriate in any way, or already scheduled to be debated in Parliament.

AOP professional adviser, Geoff Roberson, is concerned about the current screening of drivers vision in the UK. Mr Roberson said "Five million drivers on our roads admit their vision is not roadworthy - this has to change". The AOP, along with the other optical bodies, has been lobbying the Government to implement a more systematic and scientific method of assessing drivers vision.

To sign the e-petition visit: epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/28258

XALEASE

Xalease is a device to assist the delivery of Xalatan drops to the eye for those who find squeezing the bottle difficult. It is supplied free of charge by Pfizer and they will supply them to you so that you can give them to patients if you wish.

Xalease can be ordered from the Medisis website at www.medisis.com

LOCUM REGISTER

A register is being set up for locums so that practices can go onto the website and find out what locums are in their area and contact them directly. If you are a practice looking for a locum or a locum looking to add your details, then please email locumregister@gmail.com