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Diplopia – Adult

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)
  • Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) – vision with most recent distance spectacles
  • Relevant history, onset, duration and severity of symptoms
  • Details of previous treatments and outcome

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:
    • Refraction
    • Impact of symptoms 
Indicative triage category
Indicative triage category
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days
  • New onset diplopia associated with thyroid orbitopathy/ cranial nerve palsy +/- or possible neurologic disorder
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days
  • Long standing diplopia associated with thyroid orbitopathy
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
  • No defined category 3 criteria
Useful Information for referring practitioners
wa.gov.au