Ophthalmic Referral

Referral Criteria

There is no longer a visual acuity or visual field restriction for referral. Eye specialists can refer any patient who needs support with low vision or blindness.

Criteria for Full Eligibility

• Corrected visual acuity of 6/24 or less in the better eye, or
• Residual visual field of 20 degrees or less in the widest diameter of the better eye

Criteria for Partial Eligibility

Those people who do not meet the above criteria but still have significant functional difficulty due to ongoing reduced vision, or who are in the early stages of a progressive eye disease.
Reasons to refer may include any of:

• Significant visual field loss
• Corrected visual acuity less than 6/12 in the better eye
• Vision loss impacting safety (falls or injuries), mental wellbeing, or causing significant difficulty with everyday tasks
• Diagnosis of progressive eye condition e.g. retinal dystrophy and would benefit from early support

 

Note – Free access to service is available to partial and full clients. Fully eligible clients can take part in board elections and apply for additional funding and grants.