HealthPathways Melbourne – Ophthalmology pathways reviewed, updated, boosted and expanded

HealthPathways Melbourne’s suite of ophthalmology pathways has been refreshed and widened following an extensive expert review.

Key updates clarify the roles of GPs, optometrists and ophthalmologists, with a focus on what each should manage. This ensures that general practice remains well-supported while highlighting when referral to another specialty is necessary.

New prescribing details have been added, including information on anaesthetic drops and expanded guidance on oral antivirals for conditions such as Herpes Simplex Keratitis when topical treatments aren’t available.

Further detail has been added to history and examination sections, especially concerning neurological causes of visual loss. To help clinical decision-making, additional resources have been included, such as material from the Australian Journal of General Practice and Optometry Australia.

The review adds a new pathway, covering Red Eye.

An ophthalmology case study has also been published which you can read via EMPHN website.

The full ophthalmology suite comprises:

• Foreign Body in Eye
• Trauma in Eyes
• Corneal Ulcers and Abrasions
• Herpes Simplex Keratitis / Dendritic Ulcer
• Irritated and Dry Eyes
• Red Eye (NEW)
• Sudden or Recent Vision Loss
• Pterygium
• Open-Angle Glaucoma

• Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Keratitis
• Macular Degeneration
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Optometry Referral
• Acute referral Ophthalmology Referral
• Non-acute referral Ophthalmology Referral