Surely you mean Optometrists, not Ophthalmologists.
The big chain Opticians encourage their sight-testers to refer at the
smallest excuse, partly because it gives a "caring image", which is good for
business, and partly because they are in the pocket of their employers,
working as jobbing practitioners, and do not offer the continuity of care
that was commonplace in the past. Having said that, nationally only about 2%
of sight tests lead to a referral. Of these, about 30% could be avoided if
the optometrist took the trouble to check a pressure reading taken by a
non-contact tonometer with one from a Goldmann tonometer.
The attitude of many Opticians to their customers, however, is that of a
salesman. They work from the assumption that their "patients" come into the
shop wanting a new pair of specs, rather than seeking professional advice,
more akin to a salesman in a shoe-shop.
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: 14 July 1998 12:43
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re:Maverick Opthalmologists
Dear Colleagues,
do you have problems with the variable quality of eye tests your resprective
congregations get?
I seem to be inundated by requests for opthalmology opinions which to be
frank seem to be passing the buck. Don't get me wrong I have great
admiration
for some opthalmologists who I recommend to my patients (is this
Kosher/Halal
ethically if I don't get any kickbacks or anything?) I'm heartily sick of
certain opthalmologists who attract patients by promising cheaper or free
eye
tests but in say my diabetics for example don't even dilate the eyes up for
fundoscopy. Some don't do things like pressures. What I get is a request for
?cataracts and a expectant patient
regards Shahid
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