Posterior capsular opacity

​​​​​When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

Patient not willing to have YAG laser procedure

Criteria to access public outpatient services

Information to include within a referral

Required

• Reason for referral
  
• Details of the presenting condition
  
• Provisional diagnosis
• Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions)​
• Optometrist, orthoptist or ophthalmologist report, including Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) (in each eye)
  

If available

• Refraction
  
• Previous ocular history
  
• Timing of original cataract surgery
  
• Functional impact on activities of daily living (ADLs)
  
• Guardianship status
  
• Professional driver with specific visual acuity requirements for employment
  
• Driving 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.