Ophthalmology Referral Practices in Candidaemia Patients
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommends ophthalmic examinations for all culture positive candidemia patients, acknowledging the risk of candida endophthalmitis. However, recent trends have shown a decline in ocular candida involvement, with rates as low as 1%. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) therefore suggests a more selective, risk-based approach to referrals, considering factors such as whether the patient reports ocular symptoms, overall prognosis, microbiology results, and ocular penetrance of the chosen antifungal agent. As a result of a discrepancy in guidelines, the decision often falls to ward doctors whether or not to make a referral, who may lack specific expertise in this area.