Reviewed on : 7 Feb 2024

Reviewed by : Gateway Editor & Ashif Dhanani

Expires : 7 Feb 2026

Interim Referral Advice from February until 1 April 2024

Ophthalmology referrals will not be triaged or processed by the Referral Support Service during February and March

Referrals should be made DIRECTLY to the provider during this period

Referral queries should be directed to Advice & Guidance

Referral of Macular Problems

There are three fast track forms that Optometrists should be using for the following conditions – Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Macular Oedema and Retinal Vein Occlusion.

There will be some tests that the patient’s GP will need to conduct for patients with a retinal vein occlusion, as detailed on the form.

This in the main is for your information but there may be occasions where you get an out of area Optometrist refer to you for these conditions as they will not be aware of these pathways.

The forms are available right.

Increased referral choice for Anti-VEGF (previously referred to as the Wet AMD service)

Coventry and Warwickshire CCGs have completed a successful tender for Anti-VEGF (previously referred to as the Wet AMD service) services with 3 existing and 3 new providers delivering the service from July onwards.

The existing providers continuing to deliver the service are:

• New Medical Systems Limited (NewMedica) -primarily but not limited to covering North Warwickshire
• South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust -primarily but not limited to covering South Warwickshire
• University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust -primarily but not limited to covering Coventry and Rugby.

The 3 new providers are:

• SpaMedica Limited delivering services based at Coventry from 3rd August 2020 Follow this link for more details
• Community Health & Eye Care Limited delivering services from a number of sites covering Coventry and Warwickshire via a mobile unit and expected to commence delivery of the service from 1st September 2020 Follow this link for more details
• George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust  based in Nuneaton and the start date for commencement has yet to be confirmed

All providers will be available on e-referral to offer patients more providers and location of services to receive treatment.

New patients are to be seen within 10 working days to ensure they are diagnosed and treated urgently for conditions.