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FAQ - Cataracts

Q My practice provides cataract pre-assessment under the EOS scheme. How do I find out the current waiting times for each provider?
A
Please click on the Waiting Times option in the main website header which will give you detailed waiting time data. We hope to be able to update this information on a regular basis so keep checking back to see if things have changed.

Q Can any cataract referral go to any cataract provider?
A
Not all cataract patients are the same. Some patients because of their general health or previous complications will need to go to a general hospital but the rest can be safely sent to one of the many other providers on the list. Examples for a general hospital referral might be if the patient has had a previous retinal detachment, needs cataract surgery to their only usable eye or takes medications such as Tamsulosin

Q Can I refer my patients directly to the hospital of choice?
A
If your practice is in the EOS scheme and the patient has a Wakefield GP then you can send them directly to the provider of their choice.

Q Do I choose which cataract provider to refer the patient to?
A
No. It is important (and part of a practices EOS contractual agreement) to ensure that patients are given a choice of all referral destinations that are available to them. The only exception to this would be where there is a clinical necessity to refer say to a general hospital because of the nature of the cataract or because the patient has special medical issues pertinent to surgery.

Q When a patient comes back for their post cataract assesment, is the cost of the sight test included in the post cataract fee that we claim?
A
No. The fee we claim is to cover the time spent on additional assessment and for submitting the post operative information back to the cataract provider. Most patients will be eligible for an NHS Sight Test (with a code) either because they are over 60 years of age or because of some other exemption. There may occasionally be a younger patient who is not eligible for an NHS Sight Test and so the test will attract a private fee.

Q When I refer a patient, will they come back to my practice for the post operative examination?
A
Yes. Part of the local agreement with providers is that post cataract patients are returned to the referring practice after surgery.


17th March 2021