When should I consider referring a patient with amblyopia to an ophtha

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

Consider referring a patient with amblyopia to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation:

In all cases of suspected or confirmed amblyopia, especially in children, early referral to a paediatric eye service or ophthalmologist is recommended to assess visual acuity, underlying causes, and to initiate appropriate treatment to prevent worsening of amblyopia.
Referral is particularly urgent if there are red flags such as double vision, headaches, nystagmus, or limited eye movement, which may indicate a serious underlying condition.
Children with amblyopia often require ongoing specialist assessment to monitor treatment compliance (e.g., occlusion therapy or atropine drops) and to adjust management plans accordingly.
Older children and adults with untreated or persistent amblyopia may also benefit from referral for evaluation of possible corrective surgery or other interventions.

Early and appropriate referral improves outcomes by enabling timely treatment and preventing permanent visual impairment.

References:

When should I consider referring a patient with amblyopia to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation?