Outpatient Clinics

This condition is treated in the Ophthalmology clinic

Pre-referral work-up

History

The following conditions are not routinely seen at the RHH Eye Clinic and may be appropriately managed by the general practitioner, local ophthalmologist or optometrist:

• Chalazion: trial of 3 months of conservative treatment (gentle heat and massage) prior to referral
• Chronic, non-severe blepharitis with no corneal or structural lid changes.
• Excessive upper eye lid skin not obscuring the line of sight

All referrals should comply to the Standard Referral guidelines and include in particular:

• Lid lesion: description including size, colour, stability, effect on vision and diagnosis if known
• Ectropian/entropian: associated ocular signs and symptoms such as pain, epiphora
• Excessive upper eye lid skin: obscuring the line of sight
• Ptosis: Unilateral or bilateral. Does it obscure the line of sight?
• Blepharitis: severe with corneal or structural lid changes
• Blepharospasm: Intermittent or constant. Bilateral or unilateral. Duration.

Tests

• Blepharitis: Referral if severe with corneal or structural lid changes.
• Optometrist or ophthalmologist report required if referral not urgent.

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Ophthalmology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Chalazion: Trial of three months of conservative treatment (gentle heat and massage) prior to referral.

Ocular surface exposure or dry eye: Commence ocular lubricants.

Blepharitis: Commence lid care and lubricants. Consider course of oral doxycycline if unresponsive. Referral if severe with corneal or structural lid changes. Optometrist or ophthalmologist report required if referral not urgent.

For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.

Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.