Red or watery eyes in children

Specialty: Ophthalmology
Age group: Children

Criteria for referral to public hospital service

• Suspected lacrimal sac mucocele
• Persistent watery eyes in children older than 12 months known to be due to tear duct obstruction.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Child’s age
• Description of onset, severity and duration of symptoms
• Passport style photograph of child’s face showing watery eyes.

Provide if available

• Comprehensive eye and vision assessment including cycloplegic refraction and dilated retinal examination (usually performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist) with best corrected visual acuity (i.e. measured with spectacles or contact lenses) for both eyes or visual behaviour assessment if the child is pre-literate or non-verbal
• Statement about the parent(s) or guardian’s interest in having surgical treatment if that is a possible intervention
• If the child is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
• If the child identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• If the child has a preferred language other than English and if they rely on cultural or linguistic support (e.g. Aboriginal cultural support, an interpreter)
• If the child lives in out-of-home care (foster care, kinship care, permanent care or residential care)
• If the child is aged 14-18 years, do they consent that their health information is shared with their parent, guardian or carer.

Additional comments

The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Note there are also statewide referral criteria for Corneal conditions.

People experiencing disadvantage or other barriers to accessing eyecare services may be eligible to receive services through the Victorian Eyecare Service.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

• If tear duct obstruction has resolved
• Allergic conjunctivitis or conjunctivitis in children older than 2 weeks that can be treated with topical antibiotics.