• Acute onset of severe eye pain and/or sensitivity to light
• Sudden onset of loss of vision complete or partial (may be associated with flashes/floaters)
• Traumatic injuries, chemical burns
• Postoperative patients with pain, change in vision, or increased redness
• Emergency referral from hospital or other physician

Note: Ask the patient how long it will take them to get to your office.

• Onset of double vision
• Change in pupil size
• Droopy eyelids
• Halos around lights
• 'Pink eye' or conjunctival infections (endophthalmitis is of course urgent)

Note: If you do not understand the problem or assess the patient status with confidence, ask the physician for a decision.

• Was there an injury?
• Is there pain?
• Has there been a change in vision?
• Is there a discharge?
• Have you recently had eye surgery?
• Do you wear contact lenses?