Criteria for referral to public hospital specialist clinic services

The management of:

• advanced glaucoma
• unstable, progressive glaucoma.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Comprehensive eye and vision assessment performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, with refraction, that includes intraocular pressure and visual field test for both eyes performed in the last 3 months
• Presence of any of the following:
  • secondary glaucoma
  • if the patient has only one seeing eye
  • multiple ocular surgeries
  • ocular trauma.

Provide if available

• Central corneal thickness measurement for both eyes performed in the last 3 months
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) including retinal nerve fiber layer results
• Optic disc photos
• Gonioscopy test 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.

The referral should note that the request is for advice on, or review of, the current management plan as requests for a second opinion will usually not be accepted.

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

• Requests for the diagnosis or ongoing management of glaucoma suspect, ocular hypertension or stable early and moderate glaucoma.