How should I manage a patient presenting with sudden vision loss and a suspected retinal detachment in primary care?

Immediate management of sudden vision loss with suspected retinal detachment in primary care:

• Recognise sudden vision loss as an ophthalmic emergency requiring urgent referral.
• Do not delay referral; arrange an urgent same-day or next-day referral to hospital eye services for specialist assessment and treatment.
• Advise the patient to avoid strenuous activity and to keep the head elevated to reduce further retinal damage while awaiting specialist care.
• Do not attempt treatment in primary care; retinal detachment requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Provide clear safety-netting advice, instructing the patient to seek immediate care if symptoms worsen, such as increased floaters, flashes, or further vision loss.

Summary: Sudden vision loss with suspected retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency that must be referred urgently to secondary care without delay for specialist diagnosis and treatment to preserve vision.