If a patient with conjunctivitis experiences severe symptoms such as intense pain, vision changes, or symptoms that worsen despite treatment, it's important to refer them to the pharmacist. Other red flags include:

Persistent redness or swelling
Eye discharge not improving
Sensitivity to light
Suspected infection in newborns
Foreign body sensation in the eye that won’t go away

In Australia, prompt referral is crucial if there’s no improvement after 48 hours of using over-the-counter treatments or if a more serious underlying condition is suspected.

Part 4: When to refer

When to refer to the Pharmacist