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Your clinic visit

Balmoral Eye Clinic
Balmoral Eye Clinic

Where are we?

The Ophthalmology department is spread across 3 clinic areas; your letter will state which clinic you should report to.  Adult clinics are generally held in Balmoral and Windsor eye clinics (both on level 1).  Certain specialties also hold adult clinics in the orthoptic department, level 0 in Windsor building.  Reception in either building will be able to direct you to the correct location.


You can find accessibility information for Balmoral Eye Clinic here.

You can find accessibility information for Balmoral MRI here.

You can find accessibility information for Balmoral Ultrasound. 

You can find accessibility information for Balmoral X-Ray here.

You can find accessibility information for Eye Clinic Outpatients here.

Facilities

All the eye clinics are wheelchair accessible.

Windsor eye clinic (level 1) has a drinks vending machine. Balmoral eye clinic and the orthoptic department both have WRVS cafes nearby, on the same level.

Children are normally seen in the orthoptic department (level 0), where we have baby changing and bottle warming facilities.  There is also a play area, with play specialists on hand during certain clinic sessions.

Please see the children’s eye services page for more information.

What happens at your appointment?

Please book in at the clinic reception desk at each visit.  Once you have registered, your casenotes will be passed through to your team.

You may be required to see several members of the team during one visit, in addition to a doctor.

Windsor Eye Clinic Waiting Room
Windsor Eye Clinic Waiting Room and Reception

There are often several doctors' clinics running in one area, and each patient can have different requirements.  We endeavour to see all patients in appointment time order, whilst ensuring that everyone is treated according to their needs, and receives the  tests and investigations necessary.  However, if  you are worried about the waiting time please ask the receptionist or a member of the nursing team.

As there may be a long wait on any clinic, we ask that all diabetic patients ensure that they bring sufficient food to their appointment.

In all clinics ambulance patients are given priority; please be patient.

Your consultation

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. 

  • Visual field test.  This is usually performed prior to seeing the doctor, but can normally be done on request if the doctor requires it. 

  • Optometrists give you a sight test. 

  • Orthoptists specialise in eye movements. 

  • Dilating drops may have to be instilled in order for the doctor to examine your eye; these take 20 minutes to work and last for 4-6 hours; you are advised not drive until these drops have worn off.  You may wish to bring sunglasses as your pupils cannot constrict in bright light as normal.

  • Ophthalmic photographers take a variety of scans, images and photos.  You must be dilated for photos.

  • The consultant, or a member of his or her team will see you, on most clinics.

  • Nurses for a pre-operative assessment, if the doctor decides that you require surgery.

In addition to the medical team we also work closely with colleagues from VISTA, and the Macular disease society.

Vista ECLOs - Eye Clinic Liaison Officers are based on the eye clinics to provide practical advice and support to patients with sight loss. They can offer helpful suggestions regarding everyday activities that become more difficult with sight loss, like reading cooking and getting about safely. They can also advise on support in the workplace, school or university.

The Officers may approach you for a chat if your vision is reduced. However, you are welcome to ask a member of clinic staff to locate them for you, if you need to talk about your own or someone else's issues with sight loss. 

Volunteers for the Macular society from the local Leicester support group attend clinics on a Tuesday afternoon to offer support and advice to patients and relatives with this condition.

Vista logo (Ophthalmology)
Macular society logo