Ophthalmology Pathways
17 pathways
Work through 17 interactive ophthalmology decision pathways — branching, guideline-grounded workflows that take you from presentation to assessment, risk stratification and management. Each pathway cites its source (NICE, ESC, AHA and specialty guidance), embeds the relevant calculators, and makes escalation and safety-netting explicit. For decision support only — apply clinical judgement and local protocols.
- Acute Red Eye AssessmentDifferential diagnosis and emergency referral criteria for acute red eyeRCOphth / AAO
- Acute Angle Closure GlaucomaEmergency recognition and stepwise IOP-lowering treatment for AACG, followed by laser iridotomyRCOphth / EGS Guidelines
- Retinal DetachmentSymptom-based urgency triage and surgical management pathway for retinal detachmentRCOphth Guidelines / EURETINA
- Diabetic Retinopathy — Screening and ManagementNHS diabetic eye screening grades, urgent referral criteria, and treatment options for diabetic retinopathyNICE NG28 2016 / NHS DES Programme
- Anterior Uveitis (Iritis)Diagnosis, topical steroid treatment, and systemic investigation for anterior uveitisRCOphth / SUN Criteria / EURETINA
- Acute Visual LossDifferential diagnosis pathway for acute painless visual loss — CRAO, CRVO, GCA, optic neuritisRCOphth / RNIB / AAO guidelines
- Corneal Foreign BodyAssessment, removal technique, and antibiotic prophylaxis for corneal foreign bodyRCOphth / AAO
- EndophthalmitisSight-threatening intraocular infection — post-op, bleb-related, endogenous; immediate vitreous tap + intravitreal antibiotics.RCOphth; ESCRS
- Orbital vs Preseptal CellulitisDistinguish (preseptal — anterior to orbital septum, less severe; orbital — sight + life-threatening); CT, IV antibiotics, drainage.RCOphth; ENT UK
- Optic NeuritisSubacute painful vision loss + RAPD; investigate for MS / NMOSD / MOG; IV methylprednisolone for visual recovery.RCOphth; ABN
- Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)Sudden painless vision loss — 'stroke of the eye'; cherry-red spot, RAPD; treat as stroke equivalent — refer hyperacute stroke pathway.RCOphth; AHA/ASA 2021
- Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)Sudden painless vision loss — 'blood and thunder' fundus; investigate cardiovascular + thrombophilia; anti-VEGF for macular oedema.RCOphth
- Vitreous HaemorrhageSudden floaters / vision loss; absent fundal red reflex; identify cause (PVD, retinal tear, diabetic retinopathy, trauma); urgent vitrectomy if not clearing.RCOphth
- Arteritic AION (Giant Cell Arteritis)Acute painless vision loss in elderly + GCA features; urgent high-dose steroid (do NOT wait for biopsy).RCOphth; BSR
- Penetrating Eye Injury / Globe RuptureSuspected globe rupture — eye shield, NIL by mouth, antibiotic, urgent ophthalmology surgical repair.RCOphth; AAO
- Chemical Eye InjuryAlkali worse than acid (penetrates rapidly); IMMEDIATE copious irrigation regardless of cause; urgent ophthalmology.RCOphth; AAO
- Age-Related Macular DegenerationDistinguish dry (no specific treatment, AREDS supplements) vs wet (anti-VEGF intravitreal); central vision loss; lifestyle.RCOphth; NICE NG82