Glaucoma

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

Pre-referral work-up

History

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

• Acute angle closure glaucoma:
  • Painful/ red eye
  • Hard, tender eye
  • Photophobia
  • Partly opaque cornea
  • Reduction in vision
  • Mid-dilated, unresponsive pupil
  • Nausea and vomiting
• History of glaucoma
• Significant raised intraocular pressure
• Visual field changes
• Cupped discs
• Known glaucoma with evidence of progression
• Advanced glaucoma/uncontrolled glaucoma/end stage glaucoma
• Narrow angles

Tests

• All non-emergency referrals require an optometrist report including where possible:
  • Visual acuity
  • Refraction
  • Intraocular pressure measurement (IOP)
  • Gonioscopy
  • Visual field and disc assessment
  • OCT of retinal nerve fibre layer
  • Central corneal thickness

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.

Emergency

? Acute angle closure glaucoma (severe, acute onset ocular pain with a fixed, mid-dilated pupil and often associated nausea and vomiting). 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)

? IOP greater than or equal to 26

? Significant visual field defects

? Critically narrow angle

? Advanced or uncontrolled glaucoma

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