​​​​​Emergency

If any of the following are 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:

  • optic nerve head swelling with neurological signs or symptoms, vision change and/or headache
  • optic nerve head swelling with retinal haemorrhages or exudates.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.

Optic nerve head swelling (if a new presentation) without other neurological signs or symptoms.

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Interpreter required (if so, preferred language).

If available

  • Patient health summary (including relevant medical history and current medications).
  • Visual acuity.
  • If the patient identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
  • If the patient is considered ‘at risk’ and/or among a vulnerable, disadvantaged or priority population.

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.​​​

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If you would like to provide feedback about the contents of this page, please submit an enquiry to the SRC project team at NSW Health.

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Current as at: Wednesday 14 February 2024
Contact page owner: System Purchasing