Ophthalmology

This is a community-based service for patients with non-urgent ophthalmology conditions.

Waiting times

Referral to first assessment 6 - 8 weeks

About the service

Our NHS non-urgent ophthalmology service is run by consultants supported by a dedicated nursing team.

Service eligibility

We accept all referrals from accredited optometrists and GPs.

Before your appointment

On being referred to us for non - urgent ophthalmology care you will be contacted by our friendly staff to arrange a convenient appointment usually within a few weeks of the referral.

On the day of your appointment

On arrival please report to the Phoenix reception written on your appointment letter. The receptionist will check that all your details held on computer including your name, address and contact number are up to date and correct.

Your appointment will start when the nurse calls you into a room for a simple vision test. After the vision test the nurse may put some drops into your eyes. The drops will dilate (enlarge) your pupils (the central area in the coloured part of your eyes) and make it easier for the consultant to examine the back of the eye. It takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to take effect and will make your vision blurred. This is why we ask you not to drive home.

How long will I have to wait?

The eye test nurse will endeavor to see you on your appointment time. Depending on your eye condition you may need to have up to three different tests carried out before you are seen by the consultant, this can sometimes result in a wait of up to two hours.  

Your consultant will be Mr Dan Mathapati or Mrs Sharlene Rampersaud consultant surgeons and two of our ophthalmic nurse practitioners. You can ask any questions around your care during this appointment.

If you require follow up care you will be informed by the consultant and our staff will arrange a follow up appointment.

If you require selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) this is a form of laser surgery that is used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. It is used when eye drop medications are not lowering the eye pressure enough or are causing significant side effects. It can also be used as initial treatment in glaucoma.

On the day of the operation

Your operation will be performed by a consultant surgeon in our day case facility. On arrival you will be received by our reception staff and nursing staff who will support you through our pre-admission process. Prior to your operation nursing staff may administer drops in to your eye which is to be operated.

You will then be seen by the consultant surgeon prior to your operation and can ask any questions related to the operation. You will then taken in to the operating theatre for the procedure which usually takes about half an hour.

After the operation you will be given a 'going home' leaflet and aftercare instructions, and any medication/drops that are required. If you have any concerns or problems after the operation please contact the surgery and speak to a member of our admin or healthcare team so that arrangements can be made to see them immediately.

Aftercare

You will be seen at Phoenix Health Solutions for a post operative check up by Mr Dan Mathapati or Mrs Rampersaud and the ophthalmic nurses usually after the operation.