Disorders of the external eye are very common (blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye, etc.) and if not severe are largely dealt with in primary care, primary care ophthalmology, and general ophthalmic services.
Corneal and external disease standards in this document is apply to care of the common conditions at the severe end of the spectrum and of more serious or unusual conditions such as corneal dystrophies, conditions requiring transplantation, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and cicatrising disorders which are more appropriately managed in a dedicated corneal and external eye disease service.