Ophthalmology is the specialty that deals with eye and vision problems.
The eye, and its surrounding structures, can be affected by a wide range of conditions. Management may involve medical and / or surgical treatment depending on the nature of the specific problem.
Guidance for patients
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have specialised to care for eye and vision problems. They often work in multidisciplinary teams involving other healthcare professionals including optometrists, orthoptists and specialist ophthalmic nurses.
Ophthalmology is divided into a number of subspecialties to provide care for patients with specific conditions. The subspecialty services in ophthalmology include cornea, cataract, glaucoma, retina, paediatrics, oculoplastics and neuro-ophthalmology.
Useful sources of information and guidance for patients can be found on our website.
What should I do if my health is deteriorating?
You should seek medical advice if you feel that your symptoms are changing rapidly or unexpectedly.
If your optometrist has referred you, it is usually helpful to seek their advice if you haven’t yet been seen for an appointment in the ophthalmology service.
If you have been referred to the ophthalmology service or are under our care already for an existing eye condition and you are experiencing a rapid decrease in vision including pain and / or flashing floaters that requires emergency advice please contact: 01223 250785.
Existing patients with non-urgent queries can contact the service using the contact numbers on correspondence that you will have already received, or via the contacts below.
Contacts
Email medical secretaries and the administrative team.
For new patient appointments, booked by the outpatient appointment centre, call 01223 274580.
For general outpatient queries including follow-up appointment booking, call 01223 806000.
For glaucoma service, MyChart messaging is now available for patients to directly contact the clinical team for glaucoma. For more information please visit the CUH MyChart webpage.
Reviewed: 20 September 2024