Suitability Questions for Independent Sector Cataract Providers

Checklist C

Do you wish to have cataract surgery? / Yes / No / If no give reason to PCT
Since you are willing, may I ask you a few questions? / These are designed to check whether the patient is suitable for an Independent provider
Can I confirm that you are having cataract surgery to the right/left eye? / Right / This will be on the referral form from the optometrist..
Left
Have you had cataract surgery / Yes / No / Previous surgery of any kind in the same eye is a contraindication for Independent Provider.
Right / Date
Left
Have you had surgery in the eye before? / No / Yes / Glaucoma surgery, trauma repair are particularly problematic.
Have you had uveitis or iritis or inflammation inside the eye previously? / No / Yes / These patients will probably know this part of their history. If yes, they should be referred to Acute provider.
Are you able to walk 30 yards unaided or with a single walking stick? / Yes / No / If patients can transfer from a wheelchair to a bed they are suitable for independent providers.
Are you using Oxygen? / Yes / No / If using Oxygen at home refer to acute provider.
Have you had a stroke or a heart attack in the past three months? / No / Yes / If yes, these patients should be referred to Acute provider.
Do you have angina that has been difficult to control? / No / Yes / Pain that is happening every day or that is not controlled with angina spray; such patients need to be referred to the Acute Provider.
Are you able to lie flat for 60 minutes? / Yes / No / If needing two pillows but can lift chin well, then OK. If three or more pillows, or stiffness in neck, then these patients should be referred to Acute provider.
Are you diabetic? / No
Yes / Diabetics are suitable for Independent Providers.
Are you taking Warfarin? / No / If yes explain that instruction will follow. Patient will need an INR test 2 days before surgery. Test at GP. Patient will need to book this .
Yes
Do you have latex allergy? / No / Yes / Latex allergy involves breathing problems and skin rash. Latex allergy needs special kit, and these patients should be referred to acute provider.
Do you have anyone at home? / Yes / If not, can they arrange any help overnight post op, and arrange help with drops for three weeks. Establish need for district nursing. If so then mail letter to District Nursing with surgical date.
No
Do you have a head shake or tremor? / No / Head tremor lying down makes local anaesthetic surgery difficult, so patient should be referred to acute provider.
Yes
Does it exist when you are lying down? / No / Yes
English first language and adequate hearing? / Yes / No / Profoundly deaf or poor language skills may require GA, so should be referred to Acute provider.
Patients suitable for Alternative Private Providers should have no entries in the right hand column indicated.