Please see other ophthalmology guidelines as needed. 

See resources for referral form, parent information and more.

Recommended pre-referral assessment / treatment

1. Assess for albinism (characterised by white hair, pale skin and iris transillumination).
2. Check for presence or absence or red reflex
3. Assess visual acuity.

Initial findings and when to refer

• Acute or sudden onset:
  • IMMEDIATE REFERRAL
  • Fax to 03 9345 5034 (number also on referral form), note URGENT REFERRAL and contact on-call ophthalmology registrar or fellow.
    
• Present since infancy:
  • If red reflex is absent, IMMEDIATE REFERRAL 
  • Fax to 03 9345 5034 (number also on referral form), note URGENT REFERRAL and contact on-call ophthalmology registrar or fellow. 
  • If red reflex is present, refer semi-urgently.

Contact information

RCH Switchboardtelephone (03) 9345 5522

For clinical advice ask for:

• Ophthalmology registrar or fellow 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.

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

Last updated August 2011

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.