We will discuss all patients with confirmed arterial occlusions with the neurovascular service.
Please also refer the patient to their GP to assess neurovascular risk factors. This should include assessment of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes management, anticoagulation and routine bloods including FBC, Electrolytes, LFTs, Cholesterol/Lipids and Glucose.
Another risk factor which is vital to address is stopping smoking. This will significantly lower future risks of occlusion.
Who to refer:
Please see Lothian GP and optometry ophthalmology referral pathway.
Urgency of the condition for details on how soon patients should receive an appointment.
Please see condition specific information for descriptions and management of many common ophthalmological conditions.
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.
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) – if there are no visual symptoms please discuss with the rheumatology department.
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.
