Ophthalmology (eye diseases and disorders), The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Contact
General enquires: (02) 7825 2270
Appointments: (02) 7825 2261
Email: schn-chw-eyeclinic@health.nsw.gov.au
Location: Eye Clinic, Level 3, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
About our service
The department Ophthalmology provides tertiary services for children in NSW. It encompasses all the aspects in the treatment of ophthalmology, including:
- General Ophthalmology
- Amblyopia and strabismus
- External eye disease
- Medical and surgical retina
- Ocular oncology
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Oculo plastic and orbital
- Genetic and
- Specialised testing, including electrophysiology and visual field assessment.
We provide services to patients attending the Emergency Department, consultations on inpatient units, and examination of eyes under anaesthesia for children under the care of other teams.
There has been an increase in the complexity of cases – such as retinoblastoma, cataracts, glaucoma and neurophthalmology, and genetic eye disease.
Referral process for clinicians
Our department is using Consultmed to manage referrals. The Consultmed platform allows health professionals to send e-referrals to us securely.
Consultmed questions and technical support: helpdesk@consultmed.co
Referral criteria for clinicians
Category 1A: Urgent
- Abnormal red reflex
- Sudden loss of vision
- Trauma
- Retinal detachment
- Congenital cataract
- Orbital cellulitis
- Painful red eye
- Sudden onset nystagmus
- Corneal injury / opacity
- Papilloedema
Call 7825 0000 and request to speak with an Eye Registrar to discuss patient’s presentation.
Category 1B: to be seen within 30 days
- Sudden onset strabismus
- Papilloedema
- Uveitis screen
- Glaucoma
- Haemangioma
Category 2: to be seen within 12 months
- Strabismus
- Routine vision assessment in the context of developmental delay
- Amblyopia
- Genetic screen
- Deafness screen
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
- Neurofibromatosis
- Electrophysiology
Category 3: Unsuitable patient
- Chalazion
- Non-syndromic refractive error
- Myopic progression
- Routine eye examination
- Patients ≥ 16 years
- Second opinion referrals
Please note
- Referrals without adequate information with regard to primary concern and/or patient information will be rejected.
- GP referrals that meet criteria are only accepted within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead 5km radius.
- Please refer to private Ophthalmologist and/or Optometrist.
Referral and appointment process for parents and carers
Request a referral
To make an appointment at our clinic, you will need a referral from your GP, paediatrician or specialist.
They will assess your child, discuss your concerns, and make a referral to the appropriate service.
Track your referral
Our department uses Consultmed to manage referrals. Your referring clinician sends the e-referral to us using the secure Consultmed platform.
All referrals are triaged, and those that meet the criteria will be accepted. Please ensure the referral includes sufficient information to be appropriately triaged.
Once we receive the referral, we will send you an email with your tracking information. We will update you as we process the referral and book your appointment.
To receive these updates, please ask your referring clinician to include your email on the referral.
If your clinician has questions about Consultmed or require technical support, they can contact helpdesk@consultmed.co.
Need support?
If you need help or have questions about the referral and appointment process, please contact us.
Phone: (02) 7825 2261
Email: schn-chw-eyeclinic@health.nsw.gov.au
Urgent referrals: Present to emergency
Clinic information
The Eye clinic at The Children’s Hospital Westmead is the largest paediatric eye service in NSW.
It consists of an Ophthalmology and Orthoptic department that work closely together to offer tertiary care on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
The Eye clinic also plays a large role in the provision of the State-wide Eyesight Preschool Screening (StEPS) operating over three sites including Westmead, Mount Druitt and Campbelltown.
Clinic function: The function of the Clinic is for investigation, diagnosis and management of paediatric eye conditions
Clinic days: Outpatient clinics run five days a week and cover a variety of subspecialties
Location: Eye Clinic, Level 3, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Visiting the Eye clinic
Join Lola on her visit to the Eye Clinic as she shows you exactly what her appointment involves. During Lola's appointment, she sees the orthoptist, who first checks her vision and eye movements and takes photos of her eyes. She then sees the nurse to have eye drops put in. Finally, she sees the ophthalmologist, who looks at her eyes with different lights to check that they are healthy.
When visiting the Eye clinic you will see lots of different health professionals. The appointment can take a while so it’s a good idea to bring some things to do while you wait.
Order new contact lens
You can order new contact lens for your child without a regular appointment.
Useful links and resources
- NDIS: am I eligible? (opens in a new tab)
- NDIS: how to apply (opens in a new tab)
- Guide Dogs Australia Children’s Mobility service (opens in a new tab)
- Vision Australia: services for children and young people (opens in a new tab)
- Next Sense children’s services (opens in a new tab)
- Cataract Kids Australia (opens in a new tab)
