An analysis of the conditions referred to an eye emergency department

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Increasing numbers of patients are being referred to dedicated eye emergency departments, many of whom have non-acute issues. The aim of this study was to assess the most commonly referred conditions to an eye emergency department. Methods A retrospective phone triage referral and clinical note audit was performed to assess the frequency of each condition referred to the ophthalmology emergency department over a two-month period. Diagnoses were grouped under headings to assess the volume of each sub-specialty referrals. Results 1700 patients referred to the eye emergency department were analyzed. The most commonly referred conditions were corneal foreign bodies (191), posterior vitreous detachments (101), and keratitis (87). The most commonly implicated categories were anterior segment (700), vitreoretinal (250), and adnexal & oculoplastics (247). 35.6% of patients (605/1,700) were referred on to an outpatients clinic. Seventy-five time-sensitive emergencies were identified, comprising 4.4% of all presentations. Conclusion The frequency of conditions seen in our eye emergency department may closely reflect the prevalence of acute ophthalmic presentations. This study displays the wide range of conditions that are referred. This knowledge may assist in resource allocation and training of junior ophthalmologists.