​​​​​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/registrar:

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

When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

Patient does not want surgery.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days		None.
Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days		Symptomatic ptosis involving visual axis.
Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days		Symptomatic ptosis not involving visual axis.

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral.
  • Details of the presenting condition including symptoms, duration, sudden or gradual onset, unilateral or bilateral, and functional impact on activities of daily living.
  • Provisional diagnosis.
  • Description of ptosis (degree and involvement of visual axis or pupil).
  • Oculomotor and pupil examination findings.
  • 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).
  • Previous ocular history.
  • Ophthalmologist, optometrist or orthoptist report, including Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and refraction.
  • Visual field test results.
  • Clinical image of ptosis.
  • 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