Note: Not all Health Boards will go live with the updated SCI Gateway referral forms at the same time. Please look out for updates from your local Health Board primary care team on when the new forms will be available in your area.
Cataract referrals
Pre-referral discussion
In line with NICE guidance NG77, referral for cataract surgery should only be made following a discussion with the patient (and their family members or carers, as appropriate), which includes:
- how the cataract affects the person's vision and quality of life
- whether one or both eyes are affected
- what cataract surgery involves, including possible risks and benefits
- how the person's quality of life may be affected if they choose not to have surgery
- whether the person wants to have cataract surgery.
Aide Memoire Form
An Aide Memoire Form has been developed by NHS Scotland to support the pre-referral discussion and ensure consistent information provided to patients. The form can also be used to structure the 3.9 Reason Code supplementary eye examination appointment (‘Cataract Referral Advice and Counselling’). Ideally, the patient will have received an information leaflet about cataract surgery prior to this appointment.
Note: It is not mandatory to use this form, as practitioners may have alternative ways of recording their discussion with the patient and any advice given. However, the College of Optometrists Guidance for Professional Practice on keeping full and accurate records should be noted.
SCI Gateway referral form
Guidance on completing the Cataract SCI Gateway referral form is available as follows:
Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS)
More information about ISBCS is available as follows: