Cataracts and Posterior Capsular Opacity

This condition is treated in the Ophthalmology (Eye) clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

History - Cataract

The patient should meet all of the following criteria or have another indication for cataract surgery - or example: disabling glare, anisometropia (significant refractive difference between the two eyes):

1. Have a best corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or worse in either eye or 6/9 or worse where the patient is a professional driver
2. Have symptoms related to cataract
3. Be interested in having cataract surgery

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

• Comorbidities including suitability for surgery
• Impact of vision loss on ADLs - for example: is the patient at risk of needing placement or in danger of losing their driving license

History - Posterior capsular opacity after cataract extraction

Symptomatic with reduced visual acuity or glare as compared to one month post-cataract surgery.

Tests

All referrals must include an optometrist or ophthalmologist report including:

• Current refraction with patient's best corrected visual acuity
• Dilated examination

Interim/GP management

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

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

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

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Where patient is severely visually disabled due to cataracts (visual acuity 6/36 or less in both eyes) an urgent referral is warranted.

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review and the referral must be faxed.

We will endeavour to see these patients within ten days, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Availability

North

THS Northern Region does not offer a public eye  clinic. See Health Pathways for more information

North West

Unavailable.

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 11)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9454