Any Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with a reduction in vision (i.e. cystoid macular oedema present) should be referred to PAEP ARC clinic for review in 1-2 weeks and possible listing for treatment with intra-vitreal anti-VEGF (lucentis)
Any BRVO with no reduction in vision (i.e. no CMO) should be referred routinely to PAEP outpatients and should be advised to attend their GP within 1-2 weeks for BP check and routine blood tests.
Routine investigations include: FBC, Electrolytes, Cholesterol/Lipids, Glucose and LFTs.
Who to refer:
Urgency of the condition for details on how soon patients should receive an appointment.
Patients who present with a problem with their only seeing eye should be advised to see an optician/ophthalmologist for review.
Who not to refer:
Amaurosis fugax – please refer to the neurovascular clinic. Please assess vascular risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
How to refer:
We require a referral letter for EVERY patient.
The preferred referral process is via SCI Gateway. If sending/forwarding a referral via SCI gateway please include past medical history, allergies and medications
If you do not have access to fax or SCI Gateway e.g. if you have arranged an appointment out of hours please send a written referral letter with the patient to bring to their appointment.
Only if SCI Gateway is unavailable should a letter be typed or handwritten. Please write legibly and include your examination findings.
If you have arranged an appointment in the acute referral clinic and you are referring from within another hospital in Lothian please use TRAK to type the referral letter.
