See resources for referral form, parent information and more.

Initial findings and when to refer

1: Evaluate for insect bite, skin rash or history of minor facial trauma.  If present:

• Re-evaluate in 1 -2 days.
• Do not refer unless swelling persists or increases or additional complications as below.

2: Evaluate for temperature, malaise, lid tenderness, prominence of globe, limitation of eye movement and upper respiratory tract signs (including paranasal sinuses).  If present:

• IMMEDIATE REFERRAL  for periorbital or orbital cellulitis.
• Send child to the Emergency Department and contact the on-call ophthalmology registrar/fellow.
• Please see the Periorbital & Orbital Cellulitis clinical practice guideline.

Contact information

RCH Switchboardtelephone (03) 9345 5522

For clinical advice ask for:

• Ophthalmology registrar or consultant on-call
  • Department of Ophthalmology - clinical advice (or direct dial 03 9345 5630)
  • Emergency Department - for clinical advice after hours

• For urgent appointments also call 03 9345 6180

Admission enquiries ask for:

• General admission enquiries (or direct dial 03 9345 6172)
• ED admission enquiries: (or direct dial 03 9345 6477)

Resources

• RCH OPD referral form (word)
• Generic parent handout (about RCH pre-referral guidelines)
• Kids Health Info - parent information website
• Kids Connect (Primary Care Liaison) www.rch.org.au/kidsconnect
  OPD resources for GPs page contains all referral forms, clinic information, referral process information, other pre-referral guidelines, MBS Enhanced Primary Care Items and parent information.
• Paediatric Pharmacopoeia

References

Paediatric Handbook (2009). Eye Conditions, Chapter 23 (pp357-368). James Elder and Peter Barnett. 8th Ed, Blackwell Publishing by the Staff of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Australia.

Feedback

Please give feedback on this guideline - kids.connect@rch.org.au / telephone: (03) 9345 4645 / fax (03) 9345 4650

Guideline developed by the RCH Department of Ophthalmology in consultation with a GP Review Group. Many thanks to the GPs involved in the review.  First published Dec 2007.  Reviewed August 2009. Please read  Copyright and Disclaimer.