This clinical guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the monitoring of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine retinopathy. It outlines which patients require monitoring, when monitoring should begin, and the most appropriate diagnostic tests, including OCT, fundus autofluorescence and visual field testing.
The guidance emphasises the importance of early detection of retinal toxicity to prevent irreversible vision loss, highlighting key risk factors such as drug dose, duration of use, renal impairment and concomitant medications. It also provides practical advice on interpreting results, managing patients with suspected or confirmed toxicity, and organising monitoring services within hospital eye care settings.
Recommendations support a standardised, nationally consistent approach to monitoring, with defined referral pathways, communication responsibilities and follow-up protocols to improve patient safety and outcomes.