Referral Pathways in Cornwall
Electronic Referral Service (E-RS)
Cornwall has introduced an electronic referral system for routine and urgent optometry-to-ophthalmology referrals, which are now submitted via the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS).
This change does not affect other referral pathways. Referrals for wet AMD, emergencies, and non-ophthalmology conditions should continue to follow existing processes.
The NHS Kernow Referral Management Service (RMS) will manage all optometry-to-ophthalmology referrals submitted via e-RS for patients registered with a GP practice in Cornwall or Devon. When selecting a service, please ensure “NHS Kernow RMS” is chosen.
Further guidance is available in the documents linked below.
Tech Support Email: citsservicedesk@nhs.net
Emergency Referrals (Eye Casualty)
If needing to refer a patient as an emergency to Eye-casualty please complete the below form
The form must be completed in full and emailed as a PDF to the below email using a secure NHS e-mail account and a copy must also be sent to the patients GP.
Patients referred to the service should be given a “What happens next” form.
Emergency Referral Email: rch-tr.emergencyeyeclinic@nhs.net
WARM Referrals (Wet AMD Clinic)
DeMac – Direct E-referrals to Macular service was launched in 2018.
It has been designed in collaboration between Kernow CCG, the Local Optical Committee and the Royal Cornwall Hospital team.
NHS England is happy for this to be used in order to streamline the service and improve patient access
The form must be completed in full and emailed to rcht.demac@nhs.net using a secure NHS e-mail account and a copy mjust also be sent to the patient’s GP.
Patients who are referred to the service should be given a ‘What happens next’ form.
This initiative is for the referrals for patients with macular pathology only and it does not affect any other referrals to ophthalmology.
Once the referral is received, patients will first undergo retinal scans and photographs. These results will be analysed virtually 2-3 days later and based on the clinical findings, patients will then be booked urgently or routinely in to appropriate clinic to see a doctor or a specialist nurse. Patients who are not found to have any abnormality on scans and photographs will not be brought back into clinic.
Referral Email: rcht.demac@nhs.net
Low Vision Referrals
Low vision assessments and loans of LVAs, is a service provided for the hospital by the charity iSight Cornwall
Isight Cornwall offer Low Vision assessments throughout various practices around the county and their head office in Truro as well as being able to offer home visits in remote areas.
To be able to access this service a patient requires a referral from their optician, GP or eye hospital consultant – iSight Cornwall are unable to book an appointment without one.
To complete a referral, you must have seen the patient with the last 12 months and either send a referral form via email or complete the online referral form both linked below.
Ophthalmology and Isight Cornwall work together by offering Low vision assessments by an Eye Clinic Liason Officer (ECLO) to allow for additional support including SI/SSI registration.
If you have a patient that requires the services of an ECLO and not just a LV assessment please mark this on any referral sent, as a longer appointment is required.
Referral Email: info@isightcornwall.org.uk