When should I consider referring a patient with Thyroid Eye Disease to an ophthalmologist or endocrinologist?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025Updated: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

The provided UK guidelines, specifically NICE NG81 on glaucoma and NICE NG145 on thyroid disease, do not detail specific referral criteria for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) to an ophthalmologist or endocrinologist ,. However, Thyroid Eye Disease, also known as Graves' orbitopathy, is a complex condition for which comprehensive clinical practice guidelines exist, such as the 2021 European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) clinical practice guidelines for medical management . Management of this condition typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, often including both ophthalmology and endocrinology specialists .

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