Optometry department

Optometrists are eye specialists who were previously known as ‘ophthalmic opticians’.

Optometrists are trained to examine the eyes, to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormalities. In a community setting optometrists specialise in prescribing spectacles, contact lenses and health assessment, referring into hospital were necessary.

Within the hospital service, our optometrists can prescribe glasses for babies, children and complex needs, as well as specialist medical contact lenses. The can also prescribe low visual aids for visually impaired patients. After further specialist training and qualifications they work within other ophthalmology clinics to diagnose, manage and treat eye pathologies.

Our optometrists work in the following clinics:

age related macula degeneration

cataract

emergency eye casualty

glaucoma

injections for wet macula degeneration

laser procedures

How do I get referred?

  • Through your GP
  • By your local optician/community optometrist
  • By one of the doctors or Ophthalmologists at the hospital
  • From another hospital’s ophthalmology department
  • If your GP considers your case to be urgent, you may be seen via the Rapid Access Clinic (eye casualty)

Your Optometry appointment

Some appointments for both children and adults can involve dilating drops. These drops dilate the pupil (the black opening in the centre of your eye is temporarily made larger than normal). This could make you more sensitive to light and blur your vision for 4 to 6 hours.

Your appointment letter may tell you if this will be expected. As your vision will be blurred for some time following the drops. Adults must not drive after the drops and should make alternative travel arrangements. Wearing sunglasses on a bright day may help to reduce light sensitivity after the drops.

We always ask patients to bring any up-to-date glasses or a copy of their glasses prescription, contact lenses, magnifiers or eye drops, with them to their appointment.

Although we make every effort to avoid delays, our clinics are susceptible to running late, so please allow up to two hours to be seen.

Some of our clinics involve seeing a number of professionals at the same appointment. This helps to reduce the number of times you have to attend, but does mean the appointment may take longer (up to 3 hours).

Qualifications, education and training

All Optometrists hold a Degree in Optometry and Vision Sciences and are legally required to be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC). Most optometrists are also members of the College of Optometrists which sets best practice guidance.

All optometrists working in ophthalmology clinics will have had extensive training and supervision both in the job but also with additional postgraduate qualifications registered with the College of Optometrists and GOC.

Many of our Optometrists hold further qualifications or have undertaken additional study in their area of expertise such as diplomas and certificates in Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Independent Prescribing, Low Vision and Paediatrics.

We also regularly host observational placements for optometrists and students looking to expand their knowledge in specialist areas – for example pre-registration placements, glaucoma placements, independent prescribing placements.

We have a history of training and supporting graduate optometrists who are undertaking their Scheme for Registration with the College of Optometrist to gain their professional registration with the GOC.