Writing an effective referral letter is an essential skill for optometrists, and ensuring the correct procedure is followed brings many benefits for patients and for the profession.

Producing a good referral letter means patients are more likely to be seen in an appropriate timescale at the appropriate clinic. And health professionals are more likely to write back if they can see that you have taken the time to write a good letter. “This builds up trust between you and the person you are referring to,” says Wendy Newsom MCOptom, an independent optometrist in Herefordshire.