[The revised Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG) practice guideline on 'Visual symptoms']

The 2001 NHG practice guideline on 'Refraction disorders' was revised for the second time in October 2015. The title has been changed to 'Visual symptoms', since besides refraction disorders other conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract and acute eye symptoms are also covered. The ophthalmologist is the specialist to whom GPs refer patients most often. Apart from the GP, ophthalmologist and youth health care physician, various other allied health professions are involved in eye healthcare. Orthoptist and optometrist are registered allied health professions; the title 'optician' is however not registered - on the so-called BIG-register - with the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The NHG practice guideline particularly focuses on ophthalmological diagnostics with limited equipment, and on specific referrals to ophthalmology and allied health professions.