Age Related Macular Degeneration

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

Pre-referral work-up

History

The following conditions are not routinely seen at the Royal Hobart Hospital Eye Clinic and may be appropriately managed by the general practitioner, local ophthalmologist or optometrist:

• Family history AMD but asymptomatic
• Retinal Pigment Epithelial changes (previously called dry AMD) and or drusen with no change in Amsler grid

All referrals should comply to the outpatient information for clinicians page, standard referral guidelines and include in particular:

• Timing and pattern of vision loss or distortion
• Diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration

Tests

All non-emergency referrals need an ophthalmologist or optometrist report including:

• Best corrected visual acuity
• Dilated fundus examination
• Macular OCT where available

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

? 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)

 ? Recent reduction in vision or onset of metamorphopsia

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