Referred to an Eye Specialist? Here’s What Happens Next

Being referred by your optometrist can feel worrying, but most referrals are made to ensure that any potential eye condition is assessed by the most appropriate specialist.

A referral does not automatically mean you have a serious eye disease. In many cases, your optometrist has identified something that would benefit from further investigation, monitoring, or treatment.

This page explains what happens next, how to prepare for your appointment, and where to find support.

Why Have I Been Referred?

Your optometrist may refer you to a hospital eye service or specialist clinic for a variety of reasons, including:

Changes in vision that require further investigation
Suspected glaucoma
Cataracts
Retinal abnormalities
Macular conditions
Diabetic eye changes
Eye inflammation
Flashes, floaters, or visual field defects
Unexplained symptoms affecting your sight

Most referrals are made so that specialists can take a closer look at your eye health and gather more information before making a diagnosis or recommending treatment.

What Happens Next?

Your optometrist will send details of their findings to the hospital eye service or specialist clinic.

You may then receive:

A letter, email, text message, or phone call confirming your appointment
Information about where and when your appointment will take place
Details of any preparations you may need to make before attending

Waiting times can vary depending on:

The urgency of the referral
The type of condition being investigated
Local hospital and clinic capacity.

Understanding Your Referral

Before leaving your optometry appointment, it can be helpful to ask:

Why am I being referred?
What condition are you concerned about?
How urgent is my referral?
What symptoms should I monitor while waiting?
What should I do if my symptoms worsen?

If available, you may wish to request a copy of your referral letter for your records.

Understanding the reason for your referral can help reduce uncertainty and allow you to prepare for your appointment.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Keep a Record of Symptoms

Make a note of:

When symptoms started
Which eye is affected
Any changes in your vision
Pain or discomfort
Flashes or floaters
Distortion or blurring
Double vision
Whether symptoms are improving or worsening

This information can help the specialist understand your situation more quickly.

Bring Important Information

Please bring:

Your glasses
Contact lens details (if applicable)
A list of medications
Information about any eye drops you use
Details of allergies
Information about previous eye surgery or treatment
Relevant medical conditions
Family history of eye disease

You may also wish to write down any questions you would like to ask during the appointment.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

At your appointment, the specialist team may:

Ask questions about your eyesight and general health
Review the information provided by your optometrist
Carry out additional eye examinations or scans
Measure your vision and eye pressure
Take retinal photographs
Perform visual field testing
Use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans
Discuss their findings and explain any next steps

Appointments can sometimes take longer than a routine sight test because several tests may be carried out during the same visit.

Important Information About Eye Drops

Some examinations require dilating eye drops to widen your pupils.

These drops may:

Blur your vision temporarily
Increase sensitivity to light

For this reason, you may wish to:

Bring sunglasses
Arrange transport home
Avoid driving until your vision returns to normal

While You’re Waiting

While waiting for your appointment, it can be helpful to:

Continue attending any appointments arranged by your optometrist
Wear your prescribed spectacles, unless advised otherwise
Use prescribed eye drops and medications as directed
Manage any underlying health conditions
Make a note of any questions or concerns you would like to discuss
Stay informed using reliable sources of information

When Should I Seek Urgent Help?

Do not wait for your routine appointment if you experience:

Sudden loss of vision
A curtain or shadow across your vision
A sudden increase in flashes and floaters
Severe eye pain
Significant redness with reduced vision
New double vision
An eye injury
A sudden or significant worsening of symptoms

Contact your optometrist, GP, NHS 111, or an emergency eye care service as appropriate.

Getting to Your Appointment

Attending an eye clinic appointment can sometimes be challenging, particularly if your vision is affected, you do not drive, or your appointment involves dilating eye drops that temporarily blur your vision.

Planning Your Journey

Before your appointment, consider:

Whether you will be able to travel independently.
Whether a family member, friend, or carer can accompany you.
Whether public transport is available and suitable for your needs.
Whether you may require assistance returning home after your appointment.

If your pupils are dilated during your examination, your vision may be blurred for several hours. You may wish to arrange transport home and avoid driving until your vision has returned to normal.

NHS Patient Transport Services

Some patients may be eligible for NHS Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (PTS). These services are intended for people who have a medical need for transport and are unable to travel safely by other means.

Eligibility is assessed individually and may depend on:

Your medical condition.
Your mobility.
Whether you require assistance during the journey.
Whether travelling independently would be detrimental to your health.

If you think you may be eligible, check here or call 0800 032 3240.

Need Additional Support?

If you are concerned about getting to your appointment, Galloways may be able to provide information about local transport options and support services available in your area.

Please contact us as early as possible so we can help you explore the options available to you.

If You Receive a Diagnosis

Receiving news about an eye condition can bring a range of emotions, including worry, uncertainty, frustration, or concerns about the future.

These feelings are completely understandable.

Many eye conditions can be monitored or treated effectively, and there is a wide range of support available to help people adapt to changes in their vision and maintain independence.

How Galloways Can Help

Galloways supports people who have questions about their eye health and those who may be adjusting to changes in their vision.

You do not need to wait for a diagnosis or treatment outcome to contact us.

We can provide:

Information and guidance
Emotional support and reassurance
Advice about local services and resources
Low vision support
Technology and accessibility advice
Opportunities to connect with others who have had similar experiences
Support for family members and carers

Whatever stage you are at in your eye care journey, we are here to listen and help you find the support you need.

If your hospital appointment takes place at Lancashire Eye Centre in Chorley, Royal Preston Hospital, or at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, we also have dedicated staff based in these locations to support you when you need it most.

Questions You May Wish to Ask the Specialist

Consider asking:

What is my diagnosis?
Am I eligible to be certified as visually impaired?
What treatment options are available?
Will my vision change over time?
What can I do to protect my eyesight?
How often will I need monitoring?
What symptoms should prompt urgent review?
Can you refer me to the ECLO (Eye Clinic Liaison Officer – hospital support)?

Key Messages

Most optometry referrals are precautionary and appropriate.
A referral does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem.
Understanding why you have been referred can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for your appointment.
Bring information about your symptoms, medications, and medical history.
Seek urgent advice if your vision suddenly worsens.
Emotional, practical, and sight loss support is available at every stage of your eye care journey.
Early assessment and treatment often provide the best outcomes for preserving sight.

Get in Touch

Please get in touch if you would like to speak to someone from Galloways about how we can support you either before or after an eye specialist referral.

We’re here to support you, answer questions and help you access the information you need.