Hospital eye services

Hospital based eye care services are led by Ophthalmologists or Ophthalmic Surgeons who head a multidisciplinary team. Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialise in the treatment of eye disease. The primary role of the ophthalmologist is to treat eye disease medically or surgically;  those who practice surgery are called Ophthalmic Surgeons. Patients attending an eye clinic may also be seen by Registrars, Senior House Officers or Associate Specialists.

In 2010 we will use money bequeathed to KAB in legacies to develop a new Eye Clinic Liaison Officer post in East Kent. The worker will offer real support at this difficult time, and they will make sure that no-one who needs our help goes home without it. We are working in partnership with KCC, RNIB/Action for Blind People, and East and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust to fund this work, and we hope that during the next year we may also get a matching post for West Kent.

Ophthalmic Nurses have specialist ophthalmology qualifications. They carry out many duties within the eye unit, and there is an increasing emphasis on nurse-led clinics for specified patients.

Orthoptists work with the hospital eye service, but may also run outreach clinics within the community. The Orthoptist specialises in the assessment of binocular vision function (treatment of squint and other anomalies). In many eye units the Orthoptist is responsible for assessment of visual fields and in recent years the role has extended to other areas of interest including low vision and rehabilitation therapy.

Optometrists practising within the hospital eye service may specialise in particular areas of interest such as low vision, paediatrics, contact lenses etc. Optometrists, like Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioners, are expanding their role to lead specified clinics.

Medical photographers often work within the eye unit providing specialist screening, diagnostic and investigative photography.

Rehabilitation workers may attend the eye unit to advise patients on living with reduced vision. This role is also carried out by Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) or in some instances by volunteers.