What initial investigations should be performed in primary care to assess for retinal detachment before referral?

In primary care, initial investigations to assess for retinal detachment include a dilated fundoscopy examination performed by a practitioner competent in slit lamp examination and indirect ophthalmoscopy to fully examine the peripheral retina and look for signs of retinal detachment or vitreous haemorrhage NICE CKS.

Fundoscopic signs of retinal detachment or vitreous haemorrhage should be identified, and specialist assessment arranged urgently if these signs are present NICE CKS.

It is important to note that retinal detachment cannot be reliably excluded using direct ophthalmoscopy alone in primary care, and a dilated examination is necessary NICE CKS.