What are the urgent referral criteria for a patient suspected of having a retinal detachment?

Urgent referral criteria for suspected retinal detachment:

• Arrange an immediate referral to an ophthalmologist with retinal surgery expertise to be seen on the same day if the patient has new-onset flashes and/or floaters and any of the following signs of sight-threatening disease:
• Visual field loss or changes in visual acuity
• Fundoscopic signs of retinal detachment or vitreous haemorrhage

• If there are no visual field loss, no change in visual acuity, and no fundoscopic signs of retinal detachment or vitreous haemorrhage, arrange an urgent referral to a practitioner competent in slit lamp examination and indirect ophthalmoscopy to be seen within 24 hours.

• Advise patients with visual field defects and/or retinal treatment in both eyes to contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

These criteria ensure early specialist assessment and management to prevent permanent visual impairment, as retinal detachment is sight-threatening and requires prompt treatment.