Patterns of ophthalmological complaints presenting to a dedicated ophthalmic Accident & Emergency department: inappropriate use and patients' perspective

Abstract

A significant number of patients who attend ophthalmic A&E departments have non-urgent conditions that could be managed satisfactorily in a primary care setting by specialist trained GPs or optometrists outside the hospital casualty department. Improvement in education of patients, the provision of specialist ophthalmic training for GPs and optometrists, and expansion of outpatient services are needed so that casualty remains a genuine emergency service.