LISTING - The LOC understands there have been instances where an optometrist or OMP has been engaged by a practice to  perform GOS and the practitioner is not listed on a PCT Peformer List. It is a requirement of the GOS Contract that the Contractor check the practitioners listing, and the consequence of not doing so, when the practitioner is not so listed, is that not only is it a breach of contract, but they will not be paid for sight tests conducted or any vouchers issued as a result. Listed Performers cannot sign form GOS1 on behalf of an unlisted optometrist or OMP in order to claim payment.

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PEER REVIEW - Peer Review Groups have already been set up in Thanet, Tonbridge and Swale. Others are expected to follow in Medway, Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford and Dover. Any optometrist interested in participating, or requiring further information, should contact David Lacey.

Peer Review Groups have already been set up in Thanet, Tonbridge and Swale. Others are expected to follow in Medway, Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford and Dover. Any optometrist interested in participating, or requiring further information, should contact David Lacey.

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MAIDSTONE HOSPITAL - Since August 2007, it has no longer been possible to refer patients for an urgent eye assessment without prior triage by an Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner. If you have a patient requiring urgent assessment, please do not send them to Maidstone A&E, but instead ring 01622 226228/226216/226202, so that the patients condition can be triaged effectively. This service is manned 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, with the last appointment being 4.15pm.

If you cannot get through on the telephone, please hand the patient a referral letter and ask them to call one of the three numbers.   All new patients presenting at the hospital with recurrent iritis, herpes simplex and who have have had corneal grafts, are given the numbers at the time of their first attendance and told to phone the clinic direct. No other chronic eye conditions warrant having the Rapid Access Eye Clinic number. Further advice from Margaret Gurney, Nurse Consultant in Ophthalmology on 01622 226314.

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AMD - It is recommended that following a fax referral, a copy is also posted to the relevant hospital.

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