A patient consults with their GP

Age-related macular degeneration

Statewide referral criteria

Specialty: Ophthalmology
Age group: Adult

Criteria for referral to public hospital specialist clinic services

  • New onset of reduced central vision and/or distortion due to neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

  • Comprehensive eye and vision assessment (usually performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist) with refraction and dilated retinal examination, for both eyes
  • Onset, severity and duration symptoms.

Provide if available

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) results
  • If the person identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

People experiencing disadvantage or other barriers to accessing eyecare services may be eligible to receive services through the Victorian Eyecare Service.

Where appropriate and available, the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

  • Review or continuation of treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Early intermediate or geographic atrophy (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Updated

Where to get help

Patients
For information about your specific medical condition, care pathway and/or wait times, please contact your GP or health service that you have been referred to.

General Practitioners
If your query relates to a referral for a specialist clinic, please contact the relevant health service directly or refer to their website for guidance.

For all other queries
Email plannedcare@health.vic.gov.au.