Diplopia – Adult

Emergency and immediate referrals

Referral to Emergency Department:

  • Sudden onset of any of the following: constant convergent squint (esotropia), divergent squint (exotropia), double vision at any age, acute trauma related strabismus, acute esotropia +/or acute leukocoria

Immediate Referral (seen within 7 days):

  • Nil

To contact the relevant service, please refer to HealthPathways Acute Ophthalmology Assessment (seen within 7 days).

Presenting symptoms
  • Diplopia or long-standing large angle conspicuous deviation that bothers patient or
  • Recent onset deviation
Mandatory referral information (referral will be returned if this information is not included)
  • Description and impact of symptoms
  • Details and duration of treatments
  • Most recent optometrist or private ophthalmologist report including:
    • Visual acuity
    • Refraction
    • Impact of symptoms
  • If unable to attach reports please include relevant information/results 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 
Indicative triage category
Indicative triage category
Cat 1
Appointment within 30 days
  • New onset diplopia associated with thyroid orbitopathy/ cranial nerve palsy +/- or possible neurologic disorder
Cat 2
Appointment within 90 days
  • Long standing diplopia associated with thyroid orbitopathy
Cat 3
Appointment within 365 days
  • No category 3 criteria
Useful Information for referring practitioners

More information

Email: DOHSpecialistRAC@health.wa.gov.au