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Eye services (Machen Eye Unit)

What we do

Ophthalmology is the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye, Our Machen Eye Unit covers the following services:

  • Cataract
  • Vitreo Retinal
  • Intravitreal Injections -- Wet Macular Degeneration
  • Oculo Plastics
  • Diabetic Eye Disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Paediatrics
  • General Ophthalmology
  • Optometry
  • Orthoptic
  • Warwick Vision Support (WVS)

The Ophthalmic Team is a Multi-Disciplinary Team working with each other

All surgery is performed in the Day Surgery Unit on a day case basis. We do not have overnight stay facility for ophthalmic patients. However we offer an on call eye nurse specialist service out of hours . Please ring main switchboard who will contact the nurse on call

  • The Orthoptic Department conduct Paediatric and Adult Clinics, Co Managed Glaucoma Clinics and community Paediatric Screening. The Orthoptic department is also part of the Stroke Pathway .
  • The Optometry Department conduct Adult/Paediatric refractions and Co-Managed Glaucoma Clinics in addition to Low Vision Aids and Contact Lens clinics .
  • We have close links with Warwick Vision Support service ( WVS) formally known as the Warwickshire Association for the Blind(WAB)
  • Our outreach clinics are held in Coventry and Stratford upon Avon

Preparing for your appointment

You may need to see several members of the team during one visit, in addition to a doctor. Please note that some speciality appointments may take up to 3 hours.

There is a cold snack and drink machine within the Machen Eye Unit, however, it is a short walk to a restaurant serving hot and cold food and a coffee bar. Seasonally a fruit stall is located in the hospital grounds. Wi-fi is available throughout the site and a television is located in the Machen Eye Unit reception area. Lunch boxes can be provided for those patients requiring a lengthy appointment.

Your consultation

Please bring a list of your medications with you to your first appointment. 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 strongly 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 technicians take a variety of scans, images and photos. You may be dilated for photos.
  • You will be seen by a nurse for a pre-operative assessment if the doctor decides that you require surgery

Contact and location

Machen Eye Unit
Main Switchboard tel: +44(0)1926 495321

  • Nurses station Ext: 4697
  • Surgical Booked admissions Ext: 4728 / 4502 / 8245
  • Intra-Vitreal Injection co-ordinator Ext: 4980
  • Glaucoma co-ordinator Ext: 4842
  • Retinal co-ordinator Ext: 8421
  • Cataract co-ordinator Ext: 8153
  • General co-ordinator Ext: 4104

  • Machen Eye Unit, Warwick Hospital
  • Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital, Arden Street
  • Rother House Medical Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Coventry walk-in centre

Patients information leaflets

  • Cataract pathway booklet
  • RNIB Supporting patients with sight loss
  • Action for blind people
  • International Glaucoma Association
  • Macular Society
  • Warwickshire Vision Support
  • Nystagmus Network
  • Royal College of Ophthalmology
  • British and Eire Vitreoretinal Society
  • Moorfields Eye Hospital
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