FOR INFORMATION LETTERS

Dear Practitioner

We have been made aware by secondary providers that letters sent to GPs for information only are often referred onwards by GPs. Presumably the GOS18 is received, and without being read is sent to an administrator to arrange onward referral.

Also there are cases where a direct referral has been made, and a letter sent as a courtesy to GPs has resulted in 2 appointments being made for these patients.

We would urge all optometrists in such cases to highlight / star / put in bold type etc that the letter is FOR INFORMATION ONLY and no further action is needed.

Perhaps even staple a sheet with “Information only, no onward referral required” to the front of the letter or GOS18 to make it as clear as we can that this is the case.

Graham Phipps Chairman CKLOC