Age related macular degeneration Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult ophthalmology outpatient services for age-related macular degeneration.

Emergency referral
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region.
Nil

Immediate referral
Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate ophthalmology assessment (seen within 7 days):
Nil To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Ophthalmology Assessment (external site)

Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
New onset of reduced central vision and / or distortion due to neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Sudden drop in central vision or worsening distortion Significant progression of dry AMD NB: Dry AMD is not routinely seen unless practitioner is concerned about recent significant progression Acute onset distortion

Mandatory information
Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason). This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.
History	Details of previous treatment and outcome
Examination	Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) - vision with most recent distance spectacles
Investigations	Nil

Highly desirable
History	Nil
Examination	Nil
Investigations	Most recent optometrist or private ophthalmologist report including: Visual acuity Refraction Retinal examination Impact of symptoms Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Indicative clinical urgency category
Category 1 Appointment within 30 days	New onset of reduced central vision and/or distortion due to wet AMD Referral to continue treatment of wet AMD
Category 2 Appointment within 90 days	Significant progression of dry AMD
Category 3 Appointment within 365 days	No defined category 3 criteria

Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

Exclusions
Nil

Useful information
See Clinician Assist WA: Macular Disease (external site) For optometry requests see Clinician Assist WA: Optometry Requests (external site)

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