​​​Emergency

If patient is aged > 6 months with any new, sudden onset nystagmus 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.

Any nystagmus with other neurological symptoms (for example, ataxia) should be considered an emergency irrespective of child’s age.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.
Aged < 6 months with nystagmus.
Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days.
Aged between 6 to 12 months with nystagmus onset prior to age 6 months.

Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365  calendar days

Aged > 12 months with nystagmus onset prior to age 6 months.

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral.
  • Details of the presenting condition including age of nystagmus onset and duration of nystagmus.
  • Provisional diagnosis.
  • Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), including both eyes open (as appropriate).
  • 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).
  • Video recording of eye movement (as appropriate).
  • Previous ocular history.
  • Guardianship status.
  • Social circumstances.
  • 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