Ophthalmic emergencies and treatment pathways

What is emergency ophthalmology?

Emergency ophthalmology encompasses all ophthalmic sub-specialties. Patients may present to ophthalmic emergency department, minor injury unit or general accident and emergency departments with a range of conditions that require an appropriate assessment including history taking, clinical examination, treatment and / or referral to a specialist ophthalmic unit. Triage is a process of identifying the most urgent cases to enable prompt management.

What are the learning outcomes?

• to understand the term triage and how it is utilised in ophthalmology
• to develop an awareness of alternative service provision depending on local referral pathways
• to be able to identity true ophthalmic emergencies and what are less urgent or routine referrals
• to gain insight into the role of the specialist nurse within the accident and emergency service.