Service guidance
  • Oncology

Referral pathways for ocular tumours

  • Last updated or reviewed: 1 February 2025
  • First published: 1 February 2025
Ocular tumours referrals guidance (PDF)

Guidance for ophthalmologists, optometrists and referrers on which suspected ocular tumours should be referred to specialist ocular oncology services, which should not, and how to make a timely, information-rich referral.

The UK has four nationally designated specialist ocular oncology centres for the treatment of rare eye tumours and cancers. These tertiary referral centres are primarily accessed via a GP or local ophthalmologist referral.

This ophthalmic services guidance supports safe, consistent referral of patients with suspected ocular tumours to nationally designated adult ocular oncology and retinoblastoma services. It outlines which intraocular, conjunctival and epibulbar tumours should be referred, which conditions can usually be managed outside the specialist service, and what information must be included to avoid delay. It also explains urgent referral routes, including retinoblastoma and suspected malignant disease, and signposts clinicians to the specialist centres.