Eye (ophthalmology) referrals

Who can refer

We accept referrals from:

  • GPs
  • optometrists, made by the GP

How to refer

All NHS GP referrals must be made using the NHS e-Referral Service, using these details:

  • Speciality: Opthalmology
  • Service names:
    • Ophthalmology single point of access (south east London patients), Guy's and St Thomas', RJ1
    • Ophthalmology single point of access (non-south east London patients), Guy's and St Thomas', RJ1
Referrals sent to the nhs.net mailbox or by post from GPs will not be processed.

Please make sure that: 

  • for urgent referrals – all clinical letters are attached within 1 working day of the appointment request
  • for routine referrals – all clinical letters are attached within 3 working days of the appointment request

Referral criteria

We accept referrals for the following paediatric eye conditions:

  • squint (strabismus)
  • eye movement disorder
  • paediatric cataracts
  • paediatric corneal problems
  • paediatric glaucoma
  • ptosis
  • visually inattentive babies (non-seeing children)
  • paediatric high refractive errors
  • amblyopia
  • blocked tear ducts and watery eyes
  • orbital lumps and pathology
  • inflammatory diseases of the eyes, systemic diseases and eye.
  • contact lens fitting in children
  • keratoconus and corneal diseases
  • inherited and genetic eye diseases
  • paediatric neuroophthalmology conditions
  • retinopathy of prematurity.

This service is restricted to patients under the age of 16 years.

Urgent referrals

Please use the advice and guidance service on the NHS e-Referral Service.

Contacts

Phone: 020 7188 0755

Email: gstt.paediatricophthalmologyreferrals@nhs.net

Non-e-RS referrals

In line with NHS England's Digital First approach, we encourage all external non-e-RS referrals to be submitted digitally.

Digital referrals help reduce delays, improve traceability, minimise the risk of lost or incomplete information, and support safer patient care.
Please submit referrals by email to gstt.paediatricophthalmologyreferrals@nhs.net

We will continue to accept paper referrals where necessary. However, referrers will be advised to use digital referral methods in future.