Criteria for referral to public hospital specialist clinic services

• New onset of reduced central vision and/or distortion due to neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Comprehensive eye and vision assessment (usually performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist) with refraction and dilated retinal examination, for both eyes
• Onset, severity and duration symptoms.

Provide if available

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) results
• If the person identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

People experiencing disadvantage or other barriers to accessing eyecare services may be eligible to receive services through the Victorian Eyecare Service.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

• Review or continuation of treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Early intermediate or geographic atrophy (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).