Services Provided
Ophthalmology is the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye. We offer our services on both sites: at Warwick Hospital in the Machen Eye Unit and at Stratford Hospital in the Eye Unit. They include:
- Cataract
- Vitreoretinal (surgical retina)
- Age Related Macular Degeneration
- Oculoplastics
- Diabetic Eye Disease
- Glaucoma
- Paediatric Ophthalmology
- General Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Orthoptic
An Eye Clinic Liaison Officer from Warwickshire Vision Support attends both sites to provide information, advice and support to those experiencing visual changes that impact the way they live their lives.
All surgery is performed in the Day Surgery Unit on a day case basis. We do not have overnight stay facility for ophthalmic patients. Any referrals requiring admission will be directed to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
- The Orthoptic Department conduct paediatric and adult clinics, and community paediatric screening. The Orthoptic Department is also part of the stroke pathway.
- The Optometry Department conduct adult and paediatric refractions, low vision aid clinics and is involved in the Glaucoma Service.
- We have close links with Warwickshire Vision Support (WVS) formally known as the Warwickshire Association for the Blind (WAB
You may need to see several members of the team during one visit, in addition to a doctor. Please note that some speciality appointments may take up to 3 hours.
There is a cold snack and drink machine within the Machen Eye Unit, however, it is a short walk to a restaurant serving hot and cold food and a coffee bar. Seasonally a fruit stall is located in the hospital grounds. At Stratford Eye Unit there is Café Lomas on the ground floor below the Eye Unit serving hot and cold food and drinks.
Lunch boxes can be provided for those patients requiring a lengthy appointment
NHS Wi-Fi is available on both sites and televisions are located in waiting areas within the unit.
What to bring
- Please bring a List of your Medications with you to your first appointment and inform us of any changes at subsequent appointments.
- Please bring your Distance and Reading Spectacles as we need your best visual acuity readings.
- You may wish to bring Sunglasses in case you need dilating drops instilled at your appointment, as your pupils will not be able to constrict in bright light as normal.
Dilating drops may have to be instilled in order for the doctor to examine your eye; these take 10-30 minutes to work and last for 4-6 hours. You may wish to bring sunglasses as your pupils will not be able to constrict in bright light as normal. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT DRIVE UNTIL THESE DROPS HAVE WORN OFF.
The following investigations may be performed as part of your clinic visit:
- Visual acuity test (reading the letter chart). All patients are required to have a visual acuity test at each clinic visit.
- Ophthalmic technicians take a variety of scans, images and photos. You may be dilated for photos.
- Visual field test - This is usually performed prior to seeing the doctor, but is sometimes done on request if the doctor requires it on examination.
- Optometrists give you a sight test or assess you as part of the low vision clinic or the glaucoma clinic.
- Orthoptists specialise in eye movements.
- You will be seen by a nurse for a pre-operative assessment if the doctor decides that you require surgery. This is sometimes done after your appointment over the phone.
- Your records will be checked so please inform us of any changes in your medications
For ALL Eye Appointment Enquiries, please call the South Warwickshire University Eye Unit on +44(0)1926 567135 and select the correct option:
- Option 1 - Outpatient appointments
- Option 2 - Inpatient bookings
- Option 3 - Reception
Machen Eye Unit
Main Switchboard Telephone: +44(0)1926 495321
Stratford Eye Unit
Main Switchboard Telephone: +44(0)1789 205831