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[Should optometrists be able to refer patients to ophthalmologists?]
D Riise1, J E Arnestad, K M Saetrom
1Oyeavdelingen Sentralsjukehuset i Hedmark, Hamar.
Abstract
Background:
Today optometrists in Norway can refer patients directly to ophthalmologists. Our article evaluates the quality of this practice.
Materials And Methods:
198 referrals from optometrists and 208 from general practitioners were evaluated.
Results:
We found the referrals to be relevant to the ophthalmologist for nearly 95% in both groups.
Interpretation:
The existing practice in which optometrists can refer their patients directly to ophthalmologists should be continued.