GPs are in a key position to identify patients who may be suffering with sight problems, and to improve the quality of life for patients who have already been diagnosed with an eye condition.
In our work with GPs, you told us that around a third of you feel that you are not equipped to deal with patients who present eye conditions.
We can help you to treat and support your patients.
GPs can save the sight of wet AMD patients with faster referral
Our new report highlights how GPs can help prevent unnecessary sight loss in wet AMD patients by being able to spot the signs of the condition and making faster and more accurate referrals.
Wet AMD - or wet Age-related Macular Degeneration - is an eye condition that affects 40,000 older people every year. As wet AMD can develop very quickly, resulting in loss of central vision, urgent referral to a hospital eye clinic is vital. Find out more about treating AMD in your surgery.
The report - Don't lose sight! Don't delay! - is part of RNIB's Save our Sight (SOS) campaign.
GPs can take these simple steps to save the sight of wet AMD patients:
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'Make every contact count' by asking at-risk groups to return immediately if their vision changes or they start to see wavy lines.
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Make sure that patients understand that their referral to the eye clinic is urgent.
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Know and use their local rapid referral pathways for wet AMD patients.
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Raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of wet AMD amongst the practice team so all staff can prompt symptomatic patients to urgently see their GP or optometrist.
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Complete our AMD education module - developed with Doctors.net.uk - and test your knowledge of AMD now.
Download the report
Don't lose sight! Don't delay! report (Word, 490KB)
Information and support for GPs
We have created resources that will help you to update your clinical understanding of sight conditions, refresh your knowledge of treating patients with sight problems, and learn more about how to support the long term management of eye conditions.
Read our list of references that support our evidence base for this section.
Educational resource on Doctors.net.uk
We have worked with Doctors.net.uk to develop an educational resource for GPs. The programme of activities includes four accredited modules designed to help you deepen your knowledge about sight loss and to help you gain CPD points.
The short CME modules cover AMD and diabetic retinopathy, as well as cataracts. There is also advice, guidance and resources covering commissioning and surgery access.
Visit our content on Doctors.net.uk.
Doctors.net.uk is open to all GMC-registered doctors. If you are already a member, please log in using your password. If you are not a member, follow the joining instructions at www.doctors.net.uk
RNIB services for patients
Find out more about our services for patients, including emotional support, information about eye conditions, practical advice about living with sight loss and access to a range of products and publications.