​​​​​​​​​​​Emergency

If entropion or ectropion with acute ocular pain and redness (i.e. at risk of microbial keratitis) is​ 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.

When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

Asymptomatic entropion or ectropion in the context of normal corneal sensation.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days

Entropion or ectropion with corneal epithelial damage.

Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days
  • Severe ectropion with tarsal conjunctival exposure.
  • Symptomatic e​​ntropion.
Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days

Symptomatic ectropion.

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral.
  • Details of the presenting condition including symptoms and impact on activities of daily living.
  • Provisional diagnosis.
  • Corneal assessment.
  • Presence or absence of tarsal conjunctival exposure.
  • Presence or absence of periorbital skin cancer.
  • If the patient 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).
  • Ophthalmologist, optometrist or orthoptist report, including Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and refraction.
  • Presence of severe dry eye.
  • Previous ocular history.
  • Clinical image of lid position.
  • Guardianship status.
  • Professional driver with specific visual acuity requirements for employment.
  • Driving status.
  • Social circumstances.
  • If the patient is at increased risk of falling.
  • 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 willing to have surgery (where clinically relevant).
  • 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