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Early diagnosis and check-ups (Referral refinement/monitoring (WGOS 4))

WGOS 4 is a service where patients who would normally be sent to the Hospital Eye Service (HES) attend specialist primary care optometry practices for detailed assessment, as part of a planned referral or monitoring pathway.

WGOS 4 Overview

In Wales, you can be referred to a high street optometrist (with advanced qualifications) to investigate early signs of problems with your eyes. WGOS 4 is a service where - instead of being sent to the Hospital Eye Service - you attend a high street optometry practice for a detailed assessment of your vision. If ongoing care is needed, this optometrist can provide this or make the necessary referrals. One of the aims of WGOS 4 is to provide support closer to home, more quickly, and to reduce pressure on hospitals.

This isn’t a service that you can book yourself – you’ll only be offered it if you’re suspected of having one of the conditions that’s currently covered. Your optometrist can refer you to a specialist optometrist to determine if you can be cared for in a high street practice or need to be sent to see a hospital consultant. 

The specialist optometrist can thereby monitor patients who would otherwise be under hospital care. They can also monitor patients discharged from hospital care. They are able quickly to refer people back into hospital if they detect anything that needs to be checked by a consultant.

Key Points of WGOS 4

Who is eligible for WGOS 4?

Patients who live in Wales or are registered with a GP in Wales, and have a clinical need identified by their optometrist, the Hospital Eye Service or their HCQ prescriber (see Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) patients below).

Where can you find non-clinical support?

If you want to talk to someone, [many organisations] can help you with understanding your sight condition. They can also assist in preparing you for an eye appointment – such as what to expect, who you’re likely to meet, and what questions could be useful to ask. 

Macular and medical retina patients

The service can support treatable conditions which affect the retina at the back of the eye. The Macular Society is active throughout Wales and is a specialist charity dealing with macular-related conditions. More information is available at the Macular Society. You can download a booklet on macular degeneration

Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (OHT) patients

Glaucoma UK has a range of services to help. More about Glaucoma UK can be found here. You can download a booklet on glaucoma

Diabetic eye conditions

Diabetes UK and RNIB can help you with advice to help control your blood sugar and take care of your eyes.

If you have diabetes, your GP or optician may refer you to the Diabetic Eye Screening Service (DESW). This is an essential service for the diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) patients

There is a risk of retinal damage from hydroxychloroquine. If you are prescribed hydroxychloroquine for certain conditions, your prescribing physician may refer you to a WGOS4 optometrist for monitoring. 

Practical and emotional support

If you’re receiving support from the WGOS 4 service, your eye condition probably won’t be affecting your life day-to-day. But if you do have any questions or want to know what support is out there, there are organisations that can help, wherever you are in Wales.

Being told that you have an eye condition can cause anxiety, so if you’d like to speak to someone about how you’re feeling about your eye condition, support is available from certain organisations. You can find out more from Perspectif's Counselling and Emotional Support pages.

Support on how best to take your eye drops

Wellbeing

If you'd like to speak to someone about how you are feeling about your eye condition, support is available from:

Other support can be identified through Perspectif: Counselling and Emotional Support