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Referral
COVID-19: Ophthalmology service guide (Devon)
Updated March 2022
Scope
This information provides guidance on the management of ophthalmology patients across Devon during the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is based on national guidance from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the College of Optometrists and NHS England.
Key messages
- Emergencies, urgent care and sight saving operations are available as normal
- Units have redesigned services and workloads to support social distancing as much as possible for the safety of staff and patients
- Primary eye care providers within optical practice teams are able to support hospital ophthalmology and primary care teams in the response to the pandemic
Only patients suspected of cancer should be referred under the 2WW pathway.
There will be patients who need to be seen and treated urgently. These may include, but are not limited to, those with the following conditions:
- Exudative 'wet' age-related macular degeneration
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal detachments
- Severe sight threatening ocular trauma
- Advanced or rapidly progressive glaucoma
- Uveitis
- Ocular oncology
- Retinopathy of prematurity (screening and treatment)
Decisions regarding such patients must be based on their risk of significant harm if treatment is delayed.
Urgent Care will continue to be provided in line with normal triage processes on a case by case basis. All these services can be accessed by primary care, optometrists, and via A&E.
Eye units have expanded their triage facilities to support their A&E services and are available for advice and making urgent appointments on the contact numbers below.
North Devon Hospital:
General urgent referrals: ndht.eyes@nhs.net
Monday – Friday, 8:00 to 20:00: 01271 322461
All other times: On call ophthalmologist via switchboard: 01271 322577
Royal Devon and Exeter (WEEU):
Monday – Saturday, 09:00 to 17:00: 01392 404955 (Professional's line)
All other times: On call ophthalmologist via switchboard: 01392 411611
Plymouth Hospital (REI):
Monday – Friday, 08:30 to 18:00: 01752 439330
Saturday – Sunday, 09:00 to 13:00: 01752 439330
All other times: On call ophthalmologist via switchboard: 01752 202082
Torbay Hospital:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 to 18:00: 07768043318
All other times: On call ophthalmologist via switchboard.
Many optometrists and opticians continue to provide modified services in the community.
Optometry referrals will where possible follow this flow chart to link into hospital eye services:
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists: Ophthalmology and Optometry Patient Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic
All new routine referrals will be clinically triaged and will either be added to a waiting list or, if appropriate, A&G will be given.
Please ensure that a practice-based system is in place to check daily for returning referrals with A&G.
Prior to making a routine referral, please ensure that any appropriate Policy or CRG has been reviewed and that all the suggested investigations and management options have been considered.
Existing new and follow-up routine appointments have been cancelled and changed to telephone / video consultation where appropriate.
Immunosuppressed patients are considered high risk and should be advised to self isolate or shield for 12 weeks.
Most of the highest risk patients have been identified and contacted individually.
Follow this flow chart if uncertain: Guide to social distancing for rheumatology and ophthalmology patients
Urgent care:
North Devon Hospital:
General urgent referrals: ndht.eyes@nhs.net
Monday – Friday, 8:00 to 20:00: 01271 322461
All other times: On call ophthalmologist via switchboard: 01271 322577
Royal Devon and Exeter (WEEU):
Monday – Saturday, 09:00 to 17:00: 01392 404955 (Professional's line)
All other times: On call ophthalmologist via switchboard: 01392 411611
Plymouth Hospital (REI):
Monday – Friday, 08:30 to 18:00: 01752 439330
Saturday – Sunday, 09:00 to 13:00: 01752 439330
All other times: On call ophthalmologist via switchboard: 01752 202082
Torbay Hospital:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 to 18:00: 07768043318
All other times: On call ophthalmologist via switchboard tel: 0300 456 8000 (local rate) or 01803 614567
Many optometrists and opticians continue to provide modified services in the community.
Optometry referrals will where possible follow this flow chart to link into hospital eye services:
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists: Ophthalmology and Optometry Patient Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Routine queries:
As below or via switchboard. Please direct to secretary of respective consultant where possible.
North Devon Hospital:
Appointment queries: 01271 322577
Wet AMD referral: ndht.failsafe@nhs.net
Royal Devon and Exeter:
Appointment queries: 01392 406922
Plymouth Hospital (REI):
Appointment queries: 01752 439305
Wet AMD Coordinator: 01752 439363
Torbay Hospital:
Appointment queries: 01803 656350
Email: sdhct.pac@nhs.net
Macular service: 01803655179
National guidance
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists:
COVID-19 clinical guidance for ophthalmologists
Ophthalmology and Optometry Patient Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Patient information
Pathway Group
This guideline has been signed off on behalf of the NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group
Publication date: May 2020
Date updated: March 2022
