This site contains the South Australian Clinical Prioritisation Criteria (CPC) for most frequently referred ophthalmology conditions.

Ophthalmology conditions

Please note this is not an exhaustive list of all conditions for outpatient services and does not exclude consideration for referral unless specifically stipulated in the ophthalmology exclusions section.

Out of scope

Not all medical conditions are covered by the CPC, as certain conditions may be considered out of scope or managed by other specialist services:

Exclusions for public specialist outpatient services

Not all ophthalmology conditions are appropriate for referral into the South Australian public health system. The following are not routinely provided in a public specialist outpatient service:

  • Child aged 3 to 5 years failed child and family health service (CAFHS) screening test (follow existing CAFHS referral pathway)
  • Child aged 3 to 5 years failed screening test, vision 6/12 or better (repeat test in 6 months)
  • Children aged over 4 years with chalazion/stye, present less than 6 months
  • Children aged under 4 years with chalazion/stye, present less than 3 months
  • Colour vision testing or screening
  • Contact lens clinic referrals that do not meet the Glasses SA criteria and not clinically indicated for use by ophthalmology
  • Diabetic retinopathy screening in literate children
  • Dyslexia without reduced vision (coloured overlay/colourimetry assessment) or visual processing assessment/assessment for learning difficulties
  • Intermittent/variable strabismus in infants less than 3 months of age (normal)
  • Reduced visual acuity, without strabismus, who have not had a refraction performed
  • Refractive error (without strabismus) with visual acuities 6/9 or better, when wearing glasses, using a crowded visual acuity test
  • Screening in a literate child with family history/associated conditions or on medication which may cause cataract
  • Second opinions from another ophthalmologist
  • Treatment for progressive myopia
  • Typical chalazion in children aged 4 years and over with duration less than 6 months
  • Typical chalazion in children aged under 4 years with duration less than 3 months
  • Uncomplicated congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children under 24 months of age
  • Uncomplicated corneal or conjunctival foreign body

Emergency information

See the individual condition pages for more specific emergency information.

Feedback

We welcome requests for further information or feedback on the CPC and website, please refer to the relevant form below.

Please email the completed form to Health.CPC@sa.gov.au.

Review

The Ophthalmology CPC is due for review in October 2025.

Evidence statement