​​​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.
  • If the patient and/or carer requires an interpreter (if so, list preferred language).

If available

  • 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 performed within last 3 months.
  • Visual acuity.
  • Refraction.
  • Impact of symptoms.
  • Photograph of head in primary position.
  • Birth and pregnancy history.
  • 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.
  • If the patient is suitable for virtual care or telehealth.
  • If the patient has special needs or requires reasonable adjustments to be made.

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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Current as at: Sunday 12 May 2024
Contact page owner: System Purchasing