Children's Community Nursing Service, Richmond
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.
During your appointment
You can expect the following during your visit to the Royal Eye Unit. Your appointment will take 1 to 2 hours.
- 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.
- Be aware that you will not see an eye doctor during your appointment.
You will not be able to drive after your appointment so take this into account when planning your visit.
After your appointment
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