The following information provides a guide for GPs on how to manage or make a referral for presentation of Chemical injury in children.
IRRIGATE copiously, then refer
Urgent referral to Acute Eye Clinic
Always include:
• Child’s date of birth
• Address
• Child’s social worker details (including Borough), if any safeguarding concerns
• Parent/carer contact phone number and email
• Immediate treatment: washout with at least 500ml normal saline or water
• If available, apply topical anaesthetic first, i.e. proxymethacaine or similar
• Remove particulate matter from conjunctival fornices with tweezers or cotton bud and wash out again
This pathway has been produced by the Moorfields hospital to help clinicians manage the healthcare of Children and Young People. However, if you need to contact a Paediatric clinician, please see below for contact details:
Moorfields Eye Hospital:
Paediatric helpline: 0207 2533411 extn 4569, Mon- Fri 10:00am-13:00pm then 14:00pm-16:00pm
Last updated: April 2021