title: [Should optometrists be able to refer patients to ophthalmologists?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Today optometrists in Norway can refer patients directly to ophthalmologists. Our article evaluates the quality of this practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  198 referrals from optometrists and 208 from general practitioners were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found the referrals to be relevant to the ophthalmologist for nearly 95% in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The existing practice in which optometrists can refer their patients directly to ophthalmologists should be continued.
authors.affiliation: Oyeavdelingen Sentralsjukehuset i Hedmark, Hamar.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Riise
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Arnestad
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Saetrom
mesh_terms: D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway; D009885:Ophthalmology; D009907:Optometry; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D000078329:Workforce