The development of an institutional protocol based on national guidelines can help effectively utilize ophthalmic consults in suspected child abuse

Abstract

Referral guidelines for an ophthalmic evaluation in suspected child abuse were established in a joint effort by the AAP, AAO, and AAPOS and include those cases suspicious for abusive head trauma (AHT) with either increased intracranial pressure, intracranial hemorrhage, unexplained coma, and/or neurologic abnormalities. Detecting intraocular hemorrhages without meeting one (or more) of these criterion is highly unlikely.