Verwijzing naar revalidatie bij blijvende visuele beperkingen; richtlijn van het Nederlands Oogheelkundig Gezelschap

- The Dutch Society of Ophthalmology (NOG) has developed an evidence-based guideline for the referral of visually impaired people for rehabilitation and support.

- Referral for rehabilitation and support must be preceded by diagnosis and treatment. Consultation of an ophthalmologist is essential.

- Information about the disease should be given to the patient orally as well as in writing.

- The ophthalmologist brings up the possibility of rehabilitation in the presence of a visual acuity < 0.5 and/or visual field of < 30 degrees in the better eye and a well-defined request for help.

- Visually impaired patients with a relatively simple request for help are referred to a specialised optometrist whenever possible.

- Visually impaired patients with more complex requests for help are referred to a multidisciplinary (regional or national) rehabilitation centre for people with a visual handicap.

- Visually impaired and blind patients are informed about the existence of patient organisations.

- Referral for rehabilitation is done by means of a structured letter with all relevant information. A copy of this letter should be sent to the family physician and all other attending physicians.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2005;149:1502-4