Skip to main content
Moorfields Eye Hospital
Go to Moorfields Private care

Search

Suspicious Optic Discs

The following information provides a guide for GPs on how to manage or make a referral for presentation of Suspicious Optic Discs in children.

  • No “red flags”

    • No “red flag”
    • Abnormal optic nerve head appearance only

     

    Non-urgent e-referral to eye clinic

  • Primary “red flags” on history

    • Headache
    • Vomiting
    • Blurred vision/ loss of vision
    • Double vision
    • Balance/co-ordination/walking problems
    • Ffits or seizures
    • Behaviour change
    • Lethargy
    • New sleep problems

     

    Urgent referral to Acute Eye Clinic

    NOTE:  IF CHILD UNWELL (neurological symptoms, nausea/vomiting: Urgent referral to GENERAL PAEDIATRIC UNIT, NOT EYE CLINIC

  • Other “red flags” on history

    • Any history of cancer
    • Known tuberculosis
    • Obesity, weight gain in last 6 months
    • Pregnant or could be pregnant
    • Abnormally large head size

     

    Urgent referral to Acute Eye Clinic

    NOTE:  IF CHILD UNWELL (neurological symptoms, nausea/vomiting: Urgent referral to GENERAL PAEDIATRIC UNIT, NOT EYE CLINIC

  • “Red flags” on examination

    • Reduced acuity
    • Reduced colour vision
    • Abnormal pupil findings
    • Abnormal fields (if available)
    • Any new eye movement abnormality
    • Any signs of intraocular inflammation

     

    Urgent referral to Acute Eye Clinic

    NOTE:  IF CHILD UNWELL (neurological symptoms, nausea/vomiting: Urgent referral to GENERAL PAEDIATRIC UNIT, NOT EYE CLINIC

  • “Red flags” on disc assessment

    • Disc appears obviously swollen/elevated/blurred on photo
    • Disc has changed in appearance since previous assessment
    • Disc haemorrhages

     

    Urgent referral to Acute Eye Clinic

    NOTE:  IF CHILD UNWELL (neurological symptoms, nausea/vomiting: Urgent referral to GENERAL PAEDIATRIC UNIT, NOT EYE CLINIC

Referral information

Always include:

  • Child’s date of birth
  • Address
  • Child’s social worker details (including Borough), if any
  • Parent/carer contact phone number and email

 

Further assistance

This pathway has been produced by Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation to help clinicians manage the healthcare of children and young people. However, if you need to contact a paediatric clinician, please see below for contact details:

Moorfields Eye Hospital

Paediatric helpline: 0207 2533411 extn 4569, Mon- Fri 10:00am-13:00pm then 14:00pm-16:00pm

 

Last updated: April 2021