About the clinic

The Glaucoma Assessment Clinic enables us to provide a thorough assessment of new patients who may be at risk of glaucoma.

During your appointment, our nursing staff and imaging teams will carry out a series of specialised eye tests. These are the same tests performed in our consultant-led clinics, and provide detailed information about your eye health.

When you have completed these tests, we will send your results to one of our consultant opthalmologists. After you have left, they will review your results and determine the most appropriate next steps for your care (see 'Test results and follow-up', below).

This clinic model allows our patients to receive the necessary diagnostic testing promptly, helping us to provide timely assessments and reduce waiting times.

Preparing for your appointment

We advise you to read these instructions before you arrive.

  • Keep taking your prescribed eye drops as usual (before and/or after your appointment). Do not stop them before your visit. 
  • Bring with you:
    • every pair of glasses you currently use (reading, distance, bifocals, varifocals).
    • a list of your current eye drops and all other medications.

Driving after your tests

Your vision will be slightly blurred after your tests. You will not be able to drive yourself home.

We advise you to arrange for someone to drive you home, or take public transport.

On the day

Most patients need approximately 90 minutes for their appointment. We advise you to allow 2 hours, in case we need more time on the day.

If your eyesight has changed since your referral, tell the imaging staff when you arrive. 

During your appointment, we will give you a series of eye tests to assess your eye health. These may include:

  • glaucoma monitoring questionnaire
  • central corneal thickness (the cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye)
  • eye pressure check (tonometry)
  • anterior segment imaging (front of eye)
  • visual acuity (vision measurement)
  • colour vision
  • visual field
  • fundus photography (within, and back of, your eye).

To perform these tests, we will dilate your pupils to improve the images we take. 

Your vision will be slightly blurred for up to 4 hours after the tests.

Test results and follow-up

Our consultants will review the results of your tests, and we will send a letter to your GP (with a copy to you). The letter will explain your results and set out any treatment recommendations. You can expect to receive this letter within 8 weeks of your Glaucoma Assessment Clinic appointment.

  • If your tests confirm that you have glaucoma, we will offer you an urgent Glaucoma Clinic in-person appointment to discuss treatment options.
  • If you are at low or moderate risk of glaucoma, we will offer you a further follow-up appointment at our Glaucoma Assessment Clinic. This is so we can monitor you for any changes to your condition.
  • If your tests show no definitive evidence of glaucoma, we will discharge you back to your local optician, for regular ongoing monitoring.

When to seek urgent medical help

Contact the Royal Eye Unit or Moorfields (see Contacts below) if you experience any of the following:

  • sudden loss of vision
  • severe eye pain
  • flashing lights
  • sudden increase of floaters.

Contact information

Royal Eye Unit Acute Referral Clinic
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (last appointment: 4pm)
Email: khft.reuhelpdesk1@nhs.net

 

Out of hours:
Call NHS111

or

Moorfields Eye Clinic, St George's Hospital, SW17 0QT
4.30pm to 8.30pm on weekdays, 24 hours on weekends.
Referral required via an emergency GP or NHS111. 

Telephone:

Royal Eye Unit (information): 020 8934 6404

Royal Eye Unit (Acute Referral Clinic): 020 8934 6799

NHS 111

Moorfields booking line: 020 7702 5542