Ptosis in paediatric patients

​​​​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 or registrar:

  • ptosis with other neurological signs
  • ptosis with anisocoria
  • sudden onset ptosis with or without diplopia
  • sudden onset ptosis with or without strabismus

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.
  • Aged < 8 years, and pupil is occluded and involving visual axis
  • Ptosis with pre-existing or known neurological disorder
Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days.
  • ​Aged < 8 years, and pupil is not occluded and not involving visual axis

Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days.
  • ​​Aged ≥ 8 years with ptosis

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)​

If available

  • Optometrist, orthoptist or ophthalmologist report performed within last 3 months
  • Visual acuity
  • Refraction
  • Impact of symptoms
  • Photograph of head in primary position
  • Birth and pregnancy history

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