Age related macular degeneration – Adult
Age related macular degeneration – Adult
Emergency and immediate referrals
Referral to Emergency Department
Immediate referral
| Presenting symptoms |
- New onset of reduced central vision and / or distortion due to neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Sudden drop in central vision or worsening distortion
- Significant progression of dry AMD
- NB: Dry AMD is not routinely seen unless practitioner is concerned about recent significant progression
- Acute onset distortion
|
| Mandatory referral information (referral will be returned if this information is not included) |
- Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) - vision with most recent distance spectacles
- Details and duration of treatments
If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/results in the referral
Referrer to state reason if not able to include mandatory referral information in referral (e.g. patient unable to access test due to geographical location or financial cost)
|
| Highly desirable referral information |
-
Most recent optometrist or private ophthalmologist report including:
- Visual acuity
- Refraction
- Retinal examination
- Impact of symptoms
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
|
Indicative triage category
| Indicative triage category |
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days |
- New onset of reduced central vision and/or distortion due to wet AMD
- Referral to continue treatment of wet AMD
|
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days |
- Significant progression of dry AMD
|
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days |
- No defined category 3 criteria
|
Excluded ophthalmology services
Referral to public ophthalmology outpatient services is not routinely accepted for the following conditions:
| Condition |
Details (where applicable) |
| Dry age-related macular degeneration |
Unless practitioner is concerned about progression to wet AMD |
Useful Information for referring practitioners