Age related macular degeneration Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult ophthalmology outpatient services for age-related macular degeneration.
Emergency referral
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region.
  • Nil
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate ophthalmology assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Nil
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Ophthalmology Assessment (external site)
Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
  • 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 information
Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).

This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.

History
  • Details of previous treatment and outcome
Examination
  • Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) - vision with most recent distance spectacles 
Investigations
  • Nil             
Highly desirable
History
  • Nil            
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Most recent optometrist or private ophthalmologist report including:
    • Visual acuity
    • Refraction
    • Retinal examination
    • Impact of symptoms
    • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Indicative clinical urgency 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
Exclusions
  • Nil
Useful information

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