Age related macular degeneration

Age related macular degeneration – Adult

Emergency and immediate referrals

Referral to Emergency

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 Most recent optometrist or private ophthalmologist report including: Visual acuity Refraction Retinal examination Impact of symptoms If unable to attach reports please include relevant information/findings in the referral Referrer to state reason if not able to include in referral Note: This information is required to triage accurately, within a clinically suitable timeframe.

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
Most recent optometrist or private ophthalmologist report including:
- Visual acuity
- Refraction
- Retinal examination
- Impact of symptoms
If unable to attach reports please include relevant information/findings in the referral
Referrer to state reason if not able to include in referral

Note: This information is required to triage accurately, within a clinically suitable timeframe.

Highly desirable referral information
Other relevant optometrist or ophthalmologist reports/results if available and where providing it will not delay care: Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Indicative triage category

Indicative triage category
Cat 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
Cat 2 Appointment within 90 days	Significant progression of dry AMD
Cat 3 Appointment within 365 days	No 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

Please refer to the following HealthPathways: Macular Disease
For optometry requests, please refer to the following HealthPathways: Optometry Requests

More information