Wet AMD fast track referral pathway

In March 2009 a direct referral system was introduced in the Salisbury area for patients with recent onset of wet AMD to enable rapid assessment of patient suitability for treatment by an ophthalmologist. This referral route is only appropriate for patients that meet the following referral guidelines:-

Presenting symptoms in the affected eye - there must be a less than 3 month history of at least one of the following:

• visual loss
• spontaneously reported distortion
• onset missing patch / blurring in central vision

NB Corrected VA must be 6/96 or better in the affected eye NB Note amended VA from 6/60 previously to 6/96 now due to new NICE guidelines.

The referral form is available from the 'Downloads' section of the website. This form should be e-mailed directly to Salisbury Hospital at sft.ophthalmologycentralbooking@nhs.net. Please include previous VAs and date if known. The patient should also be given a copy of the form and should make an appointment to see their GP and take the form along with them so they can be 'booked in'.

Please do not refer dry AMD, patients whose VA has already dropped to below 6/96 or patients whose symptoms are not of recent onset via this route. These patients may be suitable for referral to the LVA clinic, or for visual impairment registration if appropriate.