Threat to referral fees via 'choose and book'.

Reports on the warning of the Association of Optical Practitioners (AOP) to LOC in England about the actions of some Primary Care Trusts in the choose and book referral process in February 2005. Information on the guidance produced by the British Department of Health regarding the referral process; Comments from Patricia O'Sullivan, head of professional services for AOP, on the disadvantages of using the GOS18 forms to refer patients; Aim of the draft letter offered by the AOP to LOC who find themselves in the situation. INSET: Wide disparity in payments.