What happens if I need an onward referral for my care?
- If your clinician decides you need an onward referral for your care after your appointment, they’ll have a conversation with you to help you choose the best care provider for you.
- We will then reach out to you to help you select your chosen provider. This will be via a text message, if we have your mobile number, or a letter.
Help us help you
Please ensure your phone number and address is fully up to date with your GP and optician.
Is the text message I received from you safe?
Yes. The message comes from ‘NHS EYECARE’, so you can trust it’s genuine.
What if I don’t respond?
- If you don’t reply to the first message, we’ll send a reminder text one week later.
- If there’s still no responses, we’ll send a letter by post.
- If we still don’t hear from you, a member of our team will call you directly before informing your GP and referrer. The call will come from the ‘0330 128 1599’ phone number.
Why have I been referred to an optician instead of a hospital?
In some areas, your referral will be seen through our Eye Care Navigation Service, where the Clinical Triage team will assess the best next steps for your care. In many cases, a community optician can provide the service you need more quickly than a hospital, helping you get seen sooner.
I’ve already seen my optician – why am I being sent to a different one?
Not all opticians offer the same services. You may need specific tests or treatments that your original optician doesn’t provide. That’s why we will have arrange for you to be seen at a different location that has the right equipment or expertise for your care.
What if I don’t have a mobile phone?
Don’t worry, if we don’t have a mobile number for you, you will receive a letter in the post to your listed address.
What do I do when I get on to the Provider Choice website? How do I make my selection?
When you receive your communications with the link to the Provider Choice website, it will include your reference number and passcode. Please enter those under the ‘Please enter your referral reference:’ section and select ‘Find my referral’, from there you can choose your preferred provider for your appointment.
When will my appointment be?
Your chosen provider, whether that be an optician or hospital, will be able to provide more details about when your appointment will be. Please contact your chosen provider directly. However, for general Ophthalmology waiting times – click here.
For Cataract surgery waiting times – click here.
While I am waiting for my appointment, where can I get further support for managing my eye condition or reassurance?
You can reach out to your GP or chosen care provider, however, there are many other ways to get support for yourself and those around you with managing your eye condition. For general information around your eye condition, please click here.
For more about practical advice and emotional support, RNIB’s Waiting Well Service provides information, advice and support 6 days a week. RNIB offer support for yourself, your family, colleagues and friends. Please click here to get in touch.