Neurodiversity information for parents and young people
About this appointment
We have invited you to have an eye examination at the Royal Eye Unit. We have done this because you have a retinal condition which is being monitored, or you have been referred for a retina examination by your doctor, optician or Diabetic Eye Screening Programme.
About the retina
The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the back of your eye. It is made mainly of neurons (nerve cells) that receive and organise visual information. Your retina sends this information to your brain through your optic nerve, enabling you to see.
What to bring with you
Bring the following with you to your appointment.
- Your appointment letter (if you have one).
- Your current distance glasses (the ones you use to watch TV or drive), if you have them.
- Your most up-to-date eye examination prescription (sight test), if you have one.
- A list of your current medications (including eye drops).
- Sunglasses or a sunhat, in case we dilate your pupils (make them temporarily wider).
- Any documentation relating to your eye condition (for example from a previous visit, or your referral letter).
During your appointment
Your appointment
Allow up to 3 hours for your appointment.
You can expect the following during your visit to the Royal Eye Unit. Your appointment will take up to 3 hours.
- You will not see an eye doctor during your appointment.
- A technician, nurse or optometrist (a healthcare professional who specialises in the eyes and vision) will test your distance vision. They will do this by asking you to read a series of letters.
- They will check your eye pressure.
- They will ask you questions about previous eye conditions, your family history, your medical history, your current medications and any allergies you may have. Bring a list of your current prescriptions with you.
- We will dilate (widen) your pupils using eye drops. This will make your vision blurred for 4 to 6 hours.
- We will take a series of photographs and scans of your retina.
Driving information
You will not be able to drive after your appointment so take this into account when planning your visit.
We will put eye drops in your eyes to dilate (widen) your pupils and examine the back of your eyes.
You will not be able to drive for at least 6 hours because you will experience temporary blurred eyesight.
Afterwards
After your visit, a retinal specialist will analyse your tests and clinical information.
They will send a report to you and to your GP regarding the outcome of your appointment. They will do this within the next few weeks. The outcomes of the report may include the following.
- You may be advised to continue to be monitored and you will receive a follow up appointment in due course.
- You may be discharged back to the place which referred you (your optician or your local Diabetic Eye Screening Programme).
- You may be invited to a face to face consultation with a retinal specialist at Kingston Hospital. This may be because the images taken during your appointment did not provide enough information and we need to carry out further tests.
- If we decide that your condition needs urgent attention, we will contact you by phone within a few days.
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Royal Eye Unit
Kingston Hospital
Galsworthy Road
Kingston KT2 7QB