The General Optical Council (Rules relating to Injury or Disease of the Eye) Order of Council 1999
The Rules approved by this Order replace those approved by the General Optical Council (Rules relating to Injury or Disease of the Eye) Order of Council 1960. They provide that where it appears to a registered optician that a person consulting him is suffering from an injury or disease of the eye, he shall take the steps set out in rule 4 to refer that person to a registered medical practitioner for advice and treatment, except in the circumstances set out in rules 5 to 8. The power to specify such circumstances was extended by the amendment to the Opticians Act 1989 made by section 30 of the NHS (Primary Care) Act 1997, and these Rules give registered opticians the discretion to decide not to refer persons where in their judgement there is no justification to do so, or where it would be impracticable or inexpedient.