Pterygium

​​​​When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

• Asymptomatic pterygium or symptoms treatable with topical therapy (i.e. not threatening visual axis).
• Patient does not want surgery.
• Pterygium < 1 mm from limbus to apex.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

Information to include within a referral

Required

• Reason for referral.
• Details of the presenting condition including symptoms, duration and functional impact on activities of daily living.
• Provisional diagnosis.
• Optometrist, orthoptist or ophthalmologist report, including size of pterygium from limbus to apex and Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and refraction.
• 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).
• Refraction history.
• History of symptoms management (e.g. lubricants).
• Previous ocular history.
• Clinical image of pterygium.
• Previous corneal topography results.
• Professional driver with specific visual acuity requirements for employment.
• Driving status.
• Guardianship 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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