Diabetes

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

Pre-referral work-up

History

Diabetic retinopathy screening is only offered to patients with at least mild changes as per RACGP Guidelines.

Asymptomatic patients must be screened by local Optometrist or GP with suitable training and experience.

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

• Type of diabetes including duration of disease and management
• Comorbidities especially indicating increased risk, for example hypertension
• Past ophthalmic history especially of retinopathy, macula oedema or vitreous haemorrhage

Tests

• Diabetic Retinopathy Screening report including retinal photos, OCT of maculae, visual acuity
• HbA1c
• Blood pressure
• Fasting lipids

Interim/GP management

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

Patients with no, minimal or mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy should be screened by their local ophthalmologist or optometrist as per the RACGP Guidelines.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

National Diabetes Eye Screening Program

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.

Emergency

🚩 Sudden loss of vision. Ring on call Ophthalmic Registrar to discuss.

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Progressive decrease in vision

🚩 Suspicion of diabetic macular oedema

🚩 Proliferative diabetic retinopathy or vitreous haemorrhage

🚩 Diabetic retinopathy in pregnancy

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.

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

Pregnancy

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