Eye care services in the community

People are often confused about the names and roles of professional medical practitioners. To help clarify things, here's a brief description of the role of the various professionals involved in eye care, both in the community and in hospitals.

Did you know?
Many people with a sight impairment who have been discharged by their consultant fail to visit their optician for regular eye checks - not realising that the optician is checking both the health of the eye as well as checking to see if any spectacle prescription can be improved upon. It is important to have your eyes checked at least every two years.

In most circumstances, eye care services in the community are led by optometrists. The optometrist (previously known as an ophthalmic optician) may examine eyes and detect eye disease, referring the patient for investigation when necessary. The optometrist may prescribe, supply and fit optical appliances - i.e. spectacles, contact lenses, and in some cases low vision aids. The optometrist may give advice on visual problems and he or she may recommend treatment for certain eye conditions.

Ophthalmic medical practitioners are doctors specialising in eye care who may practise in the community. They examine eyes, diagnose eye disease and prescribe optical appliances.

Registered dispensing opticians advise on the selection of spectacle frames and lens design for optical appliances issued by an optometrist or ophthalmic medical practitioner. They supply and fit spectacles, low vision aids and, after further training, contact lenses. Many optical outlets employ optical or optometric assistants - staff who help people choose spectacle frames. These assistants may also carry out some minor test procedures under the strict supervision of a qualified optometrist or ophthalmic medical practitioner.

Community Ophthalmology Teams are developing in some parts of the country (including East and West Kent) to undertake some non urgent procedures. These teams are made up of Opwsis (Optometrists with special interest in Opthalmology) and Gpwsis (GPs with special interest in ophthalmology) who have undertaken enhanced training.

The Community Team determines which cases need to be referred to a Consultant Ophthalmologist in a hospital eye clinic. Those patients who can be managed in the community clinics are referred to the Community Team. For instance Opswis can manage glaucoma patients and Gpwsis carry out minor operations on lid lumps and cysts, and syringing of tear ducts in community hospital settings.