WGOS 2 – Examination for Urgent Eye Problems

WGOS Examination for Urgent Eye Problems is unique to Wales and offers eye examinations for patients with an acute eye problem that needs urgent attention.

The WGOS service is available for patients by visiting an WGOS-registered optometrist practice in Wales and is free at the point of access eye examination for patients.

Patients with eye problems often attend their GP. One aim of the WGOS Examination for Urgent Eye Problems service is to direct many of these patients to optometrists when it is appropriate to do so.

We do advise that wherever possible and appropriate that a short note with the reason for the referral is given to the patient to take to the optometrist.

Please note that when a patient is seen at an optometry practice, they will be triaged to determine which service would be most appropriate for the patient and how soon they should be seen. This may result in the patient being offered an appointment at a later date.

If you wish to organise a training session about WGOS for GPS in your area we would be keen to hear from you. Please contact heiw.optometry@wales.nhs.uk

What patients do I send to an WGOS-registered optometrist?

• Any patient experiencing eye problems that need urgent (within 24 hours) attention.
• Any patient that you suspect has an eye problem that would benefit from examination by an optometrist.

Who do I send patients to?

All practices providing NHS care in Wales will offer WGOS services. Practices are detailed on this website and can be found using the search function: NHS111

What happens to the patients you refer?

Optometrists will send you a standardised written report within 2-3 days if the patient is seen under a WGOS Examinations for Urgent Eye Problems.

A fax or telephone call will be provided on the same day if the patient requires an urgent referral to the HES. The hospital eye service will feed back to the optometrist and the patient’s GP as normal with an information or discharge letter.