Demographic analysis of patients requiring ophthalmology consultation in the emergency department: A retrospective study at a tertiary care center

This study aims to determine the necessary preventive measures from the perspective of primary care by examining the demographic characteristics and initial diagnoses of patients who were evaluated by an ophthalmologist following an emergency consultation request. Individuals over the age of 18 who had complete data and were referred for ophthalmic consultation from the emergency department within in 2022 were included in the study. The study retrospectively reviewed the patients' age, gender, diagnoses, status of ophthalmic consultation, whether a forensic report was prepared, and the outcomes of follow-up, hospitalization, or discharge. When examining the diagnoses of patients who were referred for ophthalmic consultation, the majority (60.1%) had eye or periocular trauma, followed by conjunctival diseases (19.8%). Many patients who present to the emergency department with eye complaints have conditions that could be diagnosed in primary care and treated or referred to an eye specialist to prevent further progression. Family physicians serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance with health issues, highlighting their critical role in protecting eye health. Family physicians should also educate individuals on occupational health and safety, including the prevention and monitoring of occupational accidents and diseases, which make up a significant portion of eye injuries.