Ophthalmology

We treat conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, cysts of the eye, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and manage these conditions with the appropriate treatment. An example of some of these treatment methods would be laser surgery, cataract surgery, eye injections and other minor procedures.

From diagnosis through to treatment, you will be managed and supported by a wide range of Healthcare professionals. These may include our doctors, orthoptists, optometrists (opticians), nurse specialists and technicians. You may also be seen by our Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) for support and signposting to other services valuable to your personal needs. All of these members of the team will support you through your planned treatment (surgical or non-surgical), every step of the way.

Outpatient clinics are held every working day. We see patients who have been referred from a variety of sources. Whether you have been referred from your GP or Optician, from another service within the Hospital, or from the Emergency Department, we aim to see you as quickly as possible - depending on the urgency of your condition.

If you have urgent concerns about your eye condition you can:

• contact your GP or optician
• ring the NHS 111 helpline

Should you require a surgical procedure under general anaesthetic, you will be reviewed and then referred on to the Hospital Pre-Assessment Team. They will take a full medical history and an examination will be undertaken, and any further investigations as required. This enables us to ensure you are medically fit for the required surgical procedure in advance and results in fewer cancellations.

Should you require a surgical procedure under local anaesthetic, you will be assessed in the Ophthalmology Department and, dependent on the surgery you require, you may be referred to the Hospital Pre-Assessment Team.

Ophthalmology surgery is provided routinely as a day case. If you have agreed to have a surgical procedure, you will be admitted on the morning of surgery and should be discharged home later that same day.

Visit the AccessAble website for accessibility information and directions for visiting the Ophthalmology Department at Barnsley Hospital.