What is IPOS?
The Independent Prescribing Optometrist Service (IPOS) is an NHS-funded community eye care service available across Southeast London (SEL) for people registered with a SEL GP practice.
IPOS provides assessment and treatment for patients with eye conditions that may require management by an optometrist with additional prescribing qualifications. IPOS appointments are provided by specially qualified Independent Prescribing (IP) Optometrists working in approved local optometry practices.
During an IPOS appointment, the optometrist will assess your eye condition, explain their findings and agree a management plan with you. Where appropriate, they can prescribe medication on an NHS prescription.
Many eye conditions can be managed entirely within the community. Depending on your condition, you may be:
- treated and discharged,
- asked to return for one or more follow-up appointments,
- referred to your GP where appropriate, or
- referred to a hospital eye service if further investigation or specialist treatment is required.
What is an Independent Prescribing Optometrist?
An Independent Prescribing Optometrist, often shortened to IP Optometrist, is an optometrist who has a specialist qualification in prescribing medicines.
IP Optometrists working within IPOS are registered with the General Optical Council and are qualified to independently assess eye conditions, establish a diagnosis and decide on the appropriate clinical management, including prescribing medication when necessary.
Who is eligible for IPOS?
IPOS is designed for patients with eye conditions that are suitable for assessment and treatment by an Independent Prescribing Optometrist in the community.
Conditions that may be managed through IPOS include:
- inflammation affecting the front of the eye, including anterior uveitis and episcleritis.
- eye allergies and allergic eye disease.
- severe blepharitis.
- infections or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis).
- foreign bodies in the eye.
- mild eye injuries.
- inflammation of the skin around the eye (periorbital dermatitis).
This list is not exhaustive. Whether IPOS is appropriate will depend on your symptoms, likely diagnosis, severity of the condition and individual circumstances. Some conditions can be managed completely within IPOS, while others may need onward referral to hospital eye services.
IPOS is not a replacement for routine sight testing. If your main concern is a gradual change in vision or you think you may need new glasses, you should normally arrange a routine sight test with an optometrist.
How can I access IPOS?
There are several ways to access the Independent Prescribing Optometrist Service. The appropriate route will depend on your eye problem and how you first enter the eye care system.
You may be directed to IPOS following another eye-care assessment. For example, an optometrist providing the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) may identify that your condition requires management by an Independent Prescribing Optometrist.
Your GP, optometrist, pharmacist or another health or social care professional may signpost you to IPOS if they think your eye condition may be suitable for the service.
You may be directed to IPOS following clinical triage of a referral. If your GP or optometrist has referred you for specialist eye care, the Community Optometry and Triage Service may review the referral and determine that your condition can appropriately be assessed and managed within IPOS rather than in hospital.
If this happens, you will receive information explaining how to arrange an appointment with an approved IPOS practice.
Patients can also self-refer to IPOS. If you contact an IPOS practice directly, the practice will need to establish whether your symptoms are suitable for IPOS. In some circumstances, you may first need to be assessed through MECS or another appropriate service.