Ophthalmology

The Victoria Eye Unit at The County Hospital provides a comprehensive range of ophthalmic services, covering all aspects of general ophthalmology including cataract surgery.

There are specialist clinics for:

• Glaucoma
• Retinal and Macular disorders, including Vitreoretinal surgery
• Squint (in both adults and children)
• Paediatric ophthalmology
• Thyroid eye disease
• Eyelid disorders

The department is extremely well equipped, with digital photographic and laser imaging equipment which is networked throughout the hospital.

Eye Unit – Emergencies

If you have an urgent eye problem, follow the guidance below:

Call an Optometrist listed on this table of opticians in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and Wales, stating you need a CUES or WECS appointment and the reason why. Availability will vary, and you may need to call more than one practice to get an appointment.

If you feel your eye condition cannot wait, please present to the Emergency Department at Hereford County Hospital.

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer for Herefordshire (ECLO)

Hereford County Hospital has a dedicated RNIB Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO), Olivia Kerr, who can provide advice and support for anyone affected by sight loss on topics such as:

• Maintaining your independence
• Equipment, Reading Aids, and Technology
• Eye condition and treatment understanding
• Access to education, employment, and leisure advice
• Benefits and concessions that you may be entitled to
• Support while waiting for your appointment/surgery

Olivia can be contacted at 07702820890 or 01432 355444 ext. 1765, or via email Olivia.Kerr@nhs.net

For more information, visit the RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service Website.

Ophthalmic Operating Theatre

The Eye Unit has a dedicated ophthalmic operating theatre where a variety of surgeries are performed, including cataract surgery using small-incision phacoemulsification, usually under local anaesthetic.

We have a referral scheme that allows Optometrists to refer cataract patients directly to the Eye Unit. We also support operating facilities in Llandrindod and Brecon.

Our Patients

We serve the population of Herefordshire and surrounding counties in both England and Wales. Peripheral eye clinics are held in various locations including Bromyard, Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Ludlow, Leominster, Kington, Knighton, Monmouth, Brecon, and Llandrindod Wells.

Outline of the Department

Seven consultant ophthalmic surgeons are supported by middle-grade and junior ophthalmologists and a team of specialist nurses. The Orthoptic Department offers ocular motility assessments and vision screening services for both children and adults across Herefordshire and community hospitals.

Each year, more than 30,000 patients visit the Eye Unit, and over 1,900 ophthalmic operations are carried out.

Links with Other Departments

We have close links with the Children's Unit to provide a comprehensive paediatric ophthalmology service, and we also liaise with the general physicians and the Maxillo-Facial department when necessary.

Links with Other Services

• Herefordshire and Worcestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme
• All Wales Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme
• Low Vision Scheme: Provides Low Vision Assessments and advice for the visually impaired, with services offered by opticians in Hereford, Ledbury, Bromyard, Kington, and Ross-On-Wye.
• We also work closely with Herefordshire Vision Links (visionlinks.co.uk) and the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford (rnc.ac.uk).
• We have excellent Optometry links with community practices in Herefordshire, Powys, Shropshire, Gwent, and Worcestershire.

Charitable Donations

The Eye Unit has a long-standing charitable fund that was started 30 years ago by Mr and Mrs Peebles and continued by Mr Bill Foster, raising over £300,000 in 17 years. The funds have helped provide modern equipment, benefiting patients directly.