The Patient with Double Vision course for GPs

This session will provide a core knowledge of the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of a patient presenting in primary care with diplopia (double vision) and demonstrate how to identify potentially serious cases which need urgent referral.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in May 2021.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• describe the different types of diplopia
• outline the most common causes of diplopia in adults and make a diagnosis based on the history and clinical findings
• explain the significance of diplopia in a child
• identify the best place to refer to and the urgency of referral, for each diplopia condition
• explain the DVLA regulations in relation to diplopia.

Diplopia can be a very worrying symptom for both the patient and the GP. It is important to be able to identify when diplopia is being caused by a serious underlying medical problem, and to refer promptly if necessary.