Information for GPs and Optometrists - Cataract Referral

New VA worse than 6/60 in an only seeing eye or both eyes due to cataract and at risk of Social isolation/severe effect on life and daily activities.

Monocular patients with documented vision loss precluding driving, reading or self-care.
Suspected vision threatening diabetic retinopathy and cataract occluding a clear view of the fundus.
Dense (mature) cataract causing a phacolytic glaucoma. Phacolytic glaucoma is usually diagnosed by the presence of discomfort/painful eye with photophobia, decreased vision, severe conjunctival/limbal injection, the presence of prominent cells/flare or white material/particles in the anterior chamber, increased intraocular pressure and evidence of a mature cataract. In severe cases corneal oedema or a pseudohypopyon may also be present.
A moderate to severe nuclear sclerotic cataract causing a phacomorphic glaucoma in a symptomatic patient with features of angle closure or narrow angles. Phacomorphic glaucoma is usually diagnosed by the presence of eye pain/discomfort, history of decreased vision, evidence of a mature / dense cataract formation, angle closure and elevated intraocular pressure in the affected eye.
Acute Traumatic cataract with a suspected foreign body or associated with hypotony.
Congenital cataract in children with a significant risk of amblyopia.
Acute lens complications – e.g. lens subluxation or dislocation.