The multidisciplinary team includes ophthalmology doctors, consultants, nurses, orthoptists, optometrists, technicians, and essential non-clinical staff such as service managers, general managers, fail-safe officers, booking coordinators, and reception staff.
Ophthalmologists diagnose, treat, and monitor various eye conditions, offering ongoing care for patients at risk of deterioration and those with recurrent symptoms.
Clinic locations and opening hours
Our Ophthalmology Outpatient Services are delivered across two dedicated sites. Please see below for details on each location and the services provided.
Eye Unit
This is our primary site where all face-to-face consultations with doctors, nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) take place. It serves as the central hub for comprehensive ophthalmic care.
- Location:
- Building 8 (main site)
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
CM20 1QX - Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm
Keats House
This site is dedicated to diagnostic testing, managed by our experienced nursing team. Appointments are scheduled in advance to ensure that all necessary investigations are completed prior to your consultation with a doctor, allowing for a more efficient and informed review.
- Location:
- Bush Fair (First Floor)
The Fairway
Harlow
CM18 6LY - Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Types of clinics
Our Ophthalmology Outpatient Services offer a variety of clinic formats to meet patient needs:
- Face-to-face clinics: In-person consultations with doctors or allied health professionals (AHPs), including nurse-led diagnostic and treatment clinics.
This includes all urgent and procedure clinics for your eye appointment
- Telephone clinics: Remote consultations conducted via telephone for follow-up or specific assessments
- Virtual clinics: A virtual clinic consultation involves having your diagnostic tests and scans completed first. Afterward, a doctor reviews your results and medical records. Once the review is complete, you will receive a letter with the doctor’s findings, recommendations, and any next steps.
This service is ideal for:
- Routine follow-up reviews
- Monitoring ongoing conditions
- Addressing non-urgent health concerns
The main benefits are you do not need an in-person visit, so it is convenient and saves time.
Specialist face-to-face clinics
These clinics are led by consultants, nurses, or AHPs and cover a wide range of subspecialties:
- Paediatrics and strabismus
- Eye casualty (emergency eye care)
- Cornea
- Glaucoma
- Oculoplastic
- Pre-assessment
- Medical retina (Including age related macular degeneration, diabetic screening)
- Vitreoretinal
- Cataract
- Laser procedures (medical retina, vitreoretinal, glaucoma)
- Intravitreal injections (medical retina)
- Low vision services
- Artificial eye/prosthetics
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Orthoptist and optometrist clinics
Important information for patients
If you are attending an eye appointment, please make sure you do not drive on the day of the visit. This is because you may be given eye drops that dilate your pupils to allow for a full and thorough eye examination. These drops can temporarily affect your vision, making it unsafe to drive.
We recommend arranging alternative transport or having someone accompany you to your appointment.
Telephone: 01279 827158
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