Coronavirus & ophthalmic services

Coronavirus & ophthalmic services

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:

Ophthalmology clinics have run throughout the pandemic with face to face appointments. Sight is our most vital sense and despite the pressure on the NHS, we are trying our best to keep services running wherever possible.

Eye clinics have undergone major changes to how they operate due to the need for social distancing and reducing the risk of spread of coronavirus. For information on these please see below.

If you have a condition you would like to discuss, Mr Modi is offering private telephone or video consultations where appropriate.

A summary of how Ophthalmic clinics have changed during the Coronavirus pandemic

During the outbreak of Coronavirus, there have been a number of measures introduced to keep you safe such as wearing a face mask and gelling hands on arrival. Medical staff are additionally swabbed for COVID-19 twice weekly to pick up asymptomatic cases. Most rules have however now been relaxed as we come to live with Coronavirus but some remain in place and they are for your protection. 

If you do have symptoms, which include either a raised temperature, persistent dry cough or loss of smell or taste, it is important to self isolate and call the NHS 111 line for advice. You may then get in touch with the eye clinic and they will arrange a suitable appointment for you at a later date. DO NOT COME TO THE EYE CLINIC WITH A COUGH, RAISED TEMPERATURE OR LOSS OF SMELL OR TASTE.

For many of our outpatient visits, a telephone consult may be appropriate and across most hospitals these are being conducted instead of face-to-face appointments as per NHS guidance.

For surgery, patients are no longer swabbed for local anaesthetic procedures at Frimley Park Hospital. Some hospitals still do have this requirement and you will be advised as per local protocol.

Remember the key tips to keep yourself and others safe on your visit to the eye clinic:

  • Wash your hands regularly or use alcohol gel on entry to the eye clinic and on leaving

  • Wear a face mask or covering

  • Keep a distance of 2 metres where possible from other people

  • Minimise physical contact eg avoid shaking hands

Stay safe!