Referral Guidelines
At Clearsight, our referral pathways are designed to support precise, timely and collaborative patient care - bringing together Optometrists, General Practitioners and our specialist ophthalmology team.This page provides a clear overview of when to refer, how to refer, and how we work together to ensure continuity of care before and after treatment.
For more detailed, condition-specific guidance, please refer to the clinical protocols linked below.
For Optometrists
When to Refer
Optometrists play a critical role in early detection and ongoing co-management.
Referral is recommended when patients present with:
- Sudden or progressive changes in vision
- Distortion or reduced central vision
- New onset flashes or floaters
- Suspicion of retinal, glaucomatous, corneal or other ocular pathology
- Findings that fall outside expected clinical progression
Early referral supports timely diagnosis and access to appropriate specialist care.
Pre-Referral
Where appropriate, referrals should be supported by:
- Relevant clinical history and presenting symptoms
- Key diagnostic investigations (e.g. OCT, visual fields, fundus imaging)
- Clinical impression and level of urgency
Clear, concise and well-structured referrals enable efficient triage and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate subspecialist.
Subspecialty Referral Guidance
Patients are carefully matched to subspecialists based on clinical findings:
- Retina – macular disease, diabetic eye disease, retinal tears or detachment
- Glaucoma – suspected or progressive glaucoma
- Cornea & Refractive – keratoconus, cataract, refractive assessment
- Neuro-ophthalmology – optic nerve or neurological visual pathway concerns
- Oculoplastics – eyelid, lacrimal or orbital conditions
- Paediatrics – childhood vision concerns and ocular conditions
Post-Operative Co-Management
We work in close partnership with Optometrists to ensure seamless continuity of care.
- Patients are typically returned to your care for ongoing review
- Clear co-management instructions are provided following treatment
- Guidance includes recommended review intervals and required investigations
Re-referral or escalation is recommended if:
- Vision does not progress as expected
- New or worsening symptoms develop
- There are concerns outside the anticipated recovery pathway
For General Practitioners (GPs)
When to Refer
GPs are often the first point of contact for patients with eye-related concerns.
Referral is appropriate for patients presenting with:
- Sudden vision changes or vision loss
- Eye pain, redness or photophobia
- Flashes, floaters or visual disturbance
- Chronic conditions with ocular involvement (e.g. diabetes)
- Functional vision concerns impacting daily life (e.g. cataract)
Timely referral supports early diagnosis and intervention.
Pre-Referral
GP referrals should include:
- Presenting symptoms and duration
- Relevant medical history and current medications
- Any factors that may influence urgency
Specialist ophthalmic testing is not required prior to referral. Where previous investigations have been performed by an Optometrist, these can be forwarded to the clinic in advance to support assessment.
Post-Operative Care
Following treatment, Clearsight will:
- Provide a timely discharge summary ahead of the patient’s next review
- Outline any GP-specific follow-up requirements
- Communicate relevant systemic considerations for ongoing care
This ensures continuity and clarity across all stages of the patient journey.
A Collaborative Approach to Care
At Clearsight, we value strong clinical partnerships.
By working closely with referring practitioners, we ensure patients receive timely access to specialist care, while maintaining continuity, clarity and confidence throughout their treatment journey.