Nystagmus

​​​​Emergency

If patient is aged > 6 months with any new, sudden onset nystagmus present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergency medical advice via phone to on-call consultant/registrar

Note: any nystagmus with other neurological symptoms (for example, ataxia) should be considered an emergency irrespective of child’s age

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.
  • Aged < 6 months with nystagmus
Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days.
  • Aged between 6 to 12 months with nystagmus onset prior to age 6 months

Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365  calendar days

  • Aged > 12 months with nystagmus onset prior to age 6 months

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral
  • Details of the presenting condition including age of nystagmus onset and duration of nystagmus
  • Provisional diagnosis
  • Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions)​
  • Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), including both eyes open (as appropriate)

If available

  • Video recording of eye movement (as appropriate)
  • Previous ocular history
  • Guardianship status
  • Social circumstances​

Important information for referring health professionals

If there is a change to a patient’s condition while waiting for their appointment, referring health professionals may further investigate and manage the situation, or send an updated referral to the outpatient service. Where there are significant concerns about a patient's condition, referring health professionals may check HealthPathways for urgent/same day advice or contact the relevant clinical team.


 

Current as at: Monday 23 March 2026
Contact page owner: System Purchasing