Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine Retinal Monitotring Requests

27 July 2024

The LOC is aware that a number of practices have been approached by patients taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with a request from their consultant for a GOS eye examination to monitor any retinal changes. This type of examination does not fall within the scope of  NHS GOS provision and as the letter states:

‘The responsibility for any HCQ monitoring service lies with the commissioners of the health service that requires the prescription of HCQ and the prescriber of the medicine (1,2). In common with much the UK, the Norfolk and Waveney area does not yet have a formal monitoring programme for HCQ retinopathy. Furthermore, NHS England has stated that; ‘standard community optometrist review does not meet the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ recommendations and risks false reassurance.’ (1).’

Following consultatation with the Hospital Rheumatology departments and the Local Medical Committee a letter has been drafted explaining the situation to the patient. The Norfolk & Waveney Local Optical Committee advises all practitioners to download a copy of the letter HERE  to give to any patient requesting an eye examination for HCQ monitoring.