Referral Guidance
Get all of the information you need for referrals in one place
Emergency Referrals
Must be made by contacting the relevant eye department directly
West Suffolk Hospital: Please call the hospital on 01284 713000 and speak to the on call ophthalmologist
ESNEFT (Ipswich Hospital): During working hours (09:00-17:00) please send Emergency Triage form or referral letter (typed for legibility) by secure email to Ophthalmology.acutetriage@esneft.nhs.uk. The hospital will contact the patient directly
You can also speak to the acute triage nurse during working hours on 01473 703178 although email is preferred. Outside of these hours please speak to the on call ophthalmologist on 07703 378991
Editable PDF ESNEFT Emergency Triage form
Routine Referral
These referrals will be triaged by the respective hospital trust, and where applicable, the patient will confirm their choice.
For patients with a Suffolk GP general referrals including those to enhanced service providers should be made via Evolutio
The preferred method of referral is via the online Evonnect Referral Platform
To set up an Evonnect account please visit: https://optometry.evonnect.com
Alternatively a completed evolutio referral form may be faxed to 0333 2407729 or sent by secure email to LCHevolutio@nhs.net
You can contact the referral management team between 9am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday on 0203 7807860 or by emailing support@evolutio-uk.com to discuss your patient’s referral
Editable PDF Referral Form
Cataract
Operated as an Enhanced service in Suffolk with Pre Op and Post Op completed in practice by accredited Optometrists
Referral for symptomatic cataract only, this would usually be acuity of worse than 6/12 or other visual symptoms please see the policy below.
Complete Pre Op form on Evonnect or send Pre Op form plus patient’s provider choice to Evolutio
Patient to return after four week interval for Post Op, complete Post Op form on Evonnect or send to Evolutio
For complications at Post Op contact Surgical centre directly
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New Cataract Referral Policy
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Editable PDF Cataract Form
Wet AMD Rapid Access Referral
Must be sent by secure email. If you have OCT images please attach as this helps with triage and appointment scheduling
Evonnect is configured to send AMD referrals to each trust’s AMD inbox and has the facility to attach images
West Suffolk Hospital: rapidAMD@wsh.nhs.uk or request Rapid AMD Ophthalmology West Suffolk Hospital Zivver Link
ESNEFT (Ipswich Hospital): esneft.macular@esneft.nhs.uk
Editable PDF Wet AMD Rapid Access Referral Form
Low Vision Clinic and ECLO
Patients with reduced vision can be referred via evolutio to the Low Vision Clinic for assessment and support. If a patient requires completion of a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) the referral must state that an Ophthalmologist review is needed. Registration cannot be completed if the patient has not been seen by the Ophthalmologist.
They may also benefit from being referred to the Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs). They provide patients, their families and careers with practical and emotional support and help patients understand their diagnosis. They can help patients adapt to living with sight loss and ensure they do not become isolated and also retain their independence. They can provide support on issues such as falls prevention, job retention, education and social care and rehabilitation.
Referrals are accepted from both optometrists and Dispensing opticians. If a patient does not meet the requirement for CVI registration but is still having difficulty with their vision they may still be referred to the clinics and access all the services on offer.
Email to West Suffolk Hospital
West Suffolk Hospital has set up Zivver links to enable secure communication to the hospital. It does not require a subscription and is free to use. Please click on the links to start a conversation.
Practitioners with secure email addresses such as NHS mail should continue to use these to contact the hospital.