Monitoring, referral and shared eye care
Some findings are best reviewed over time. Others require assessment by an ophthalmologist, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Not every finding requires immediate treatment. Some findings are monitored so that the clinician can determine whether they remain stable or change over time. Other findings may need additional testing, medical care, surgery or another professional opinion.
A referral does not automatically mean that a serious condition has been diagnosed. It means that another practitioner’s expertise or facilities may be appropriate.
On this page
Why monitoring may be advised
Monitoring may be appropriate when a finding appears stable but should be reviewed, a prescription is changing, childhood myopia is being followed, a contact lens requires aftercare or corneal shape and lens performance need comparison over time.
Symptoms may also need reassessment, or more information may be needed before a decision is made. The timing of review depends on the individual findings and clinical judgement rather than one fixed interval for everyone.
What monitoring may involve
A review may repeat vision or prescription measurements, compare present and previous findings, revisit symptoms, reassess contact-lens fit, check eye health or consider whether the current management plan remains appropriate.
Relevant measurements or imaging may be repeated where they are clinically useful and available. This general description does not imply that every test or imaging system is available at the practice.
Why a referral may be advised
Referral may be appropriate for a finding requiring medical investigation, suspected progression of a corneal condition, possible eye disease, surgical assessment, an urgent eye problem or symptoms outside routine optometric care.
It may also help coordinate care with a GP, ophthalmologist or another suitable healthcare professional. The reason and intended next step should be explained in plain language.
What the patient should be told
A patient should understand why the referral is being made, who it is being made to and whether the clinician considers it routine, prompt or urgent. They should also know what records or findings may be sent and what they need to do next.
If any part of the plan is unclear, ask before leaving or contact the practice. Keep referral information available and tell the receiving service if symptoms change while waiting.
When prompt attention may be needed
Seek prompt professional advice for a sudden loss or marked reduction of vision, significant eye pain, a red and light-sensitive eye, a recent eye injury, sudden flashes or floaters, a curtain-like disturbance, or a painful red eye in a contact-lens wearer.
This is general safety information rather than a diagnosis or a substitute for emergency assessment. Use an appropriate urgent or emergency eye-care service when symptoms are severe or rapidly changing.
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general. An individual assessment is needed for advice about your own eyes, prescription or lenses.
Does a referral mean that something serious has been found?
Not automatically. A referral means that another practitioner’s expertise, tests or facilities may be appropriate. Ask what has been found, what remains uncertain and what the next assessment is intended to clarify.
Who decides how urgently I need to be seen?
The referring clinician uses the findings and symptoms to indicate the level of urgency, while the receiving service applies its own triage process. Seek further advice if symptoms worsen or change while you are waiting.
Will Eksteen Optometrists send my examination findings?
Relevant findings may be shared with an appropriate healthcare professional as part of a referral, subject to the practice’s process and applicable consent and privacy requirements. Ask what will be sent and how.
Can I continue seeing my optometrist after seeing an ophthalmologist?
Often the roles can complement one another, but this depends on the condition and the plan. The practitioners should clarify who is responsible for medical care, optical correction and follow-up.
Why might a finding be monitored instead of treated?
Some findings do not need immediate treatment, or a clinician may need to understand whether they remain stable or change. The review plan should reflect the individual finding and any relevant risk.
What should I do if my symptoms change before the review date?
Contact the practice or an appropriate urgent eye-care service for advice rather than waiting for the planned review. Sudden or severe symptoms may need prompt assessment.
Talk to the practice about your eye care
Send a brief enquiry or call reception to discuss the next step. Please avoid detailed clinical information in the form.