Investigation and referral guidelines for optometrists
Domains: Clinical practice, Communication
CPD Ref: C-101719
CPD Points: 
CPD Type: Non-interactive
Closing Date: 22 December 2022
Papilloedema is swelling of the optic nerves at the back of both eyes caused by raised intracranial pressure. Papilloedema is significant because it can be the first sign of life-threatening disease, eg brain tumours, hydrocephalus, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. But the diagnosis of papilloedema can be difficult. It takes training to recognise papilloedema and interpret the results of specialist imaging tests, like optical coherence tomography (OCT), which help distinguish papilloedema from conditions which mimic it.
While OCT is a great clinical tool to aid optic disc assessment in community optometry practice, it can also lead to many unnecessary referrals without the necessary training to interpret the results correctly. It is important that optometrists maintain their clinical skills in history taking and examination techniques, and do not lose sight of more traditional methods to assess optic discs accurately in conjunction with the patient’s symptoms.
This recorded lecture covers the following points:
- Clinical symptoms of serious neurological diseases that cause headache and/or papilloedema
- Differential diagnosis of the more common causes of unilateral/bilateral optic disc swelling and pseudopapilloedema
- Optic disc examination:
- Indirect ophthalmoscopy
- OCT
- Recommendations about when to refer and where to refer patients to, safely and appropriately
- Record-keeping and patient communication
Last published: December 2022