COMMUNITY OPHTHALMOLOGY
As well as routine sight tests, we offer emergency appointments as part of the Acute Primary Care Ophthalmology Service (APCOS); an NHS service (only by appointment) available to all patients registered with a Kent and Medway GP.
Patients may be referred by their GP, Optician, NHS 111, local Accident & Emergency or can self-refer. Appointments are offered during normal working hours 6 days a week and patients will usually be contacted within thirty-six hours.
The outcome of an appointment may be appropriate treatment by the specialist prescribing optometrist there and then, referral to the patient's GP if the eye condition is related to the patient's general health, or a referral directly to the hospital eye service if the eye condition is more serious.
COMMUNITY OPHTHALMOLOGY
APCOS
As well as routine sight tests, we offer emergency appointments as part of the Acute Primary Care Ophthalmology Service (APCOS); an NHS service (only by appointment) available to all patients registered with a Kent and Medway GP.
Patients may be referred by their GP, Optician, NHS 111, local Accident & Emergency or can self-refer. Appointments are offered during normal working hours 6 days a week and patients will usually be contacted within thirty-six hours.
The outcome of an appointment may be appropriate treatment by the specialist prescribing optometrist there and then, referral to the patient's GP if the eye condition is related to the patient's general health, or a referral directly to the hospital eye service if the eye condition is more serious.
Patients can also be seen under the Community Ophthalmology Team (COT), which accepts referrals from Opticians, GPs, Hospitals and other community providers.
This is a non-urgent service therefore these
appointments are booked further in advance.
This service is for more chronic common conditions such as glaucoma and dry eyes as well as specialist opinions on more uncommon eye diseases.
Our specialists will have the qualifications and expertise to manage, treat or refer via the most appropriate route.
COT
CAMS
We have an ongoing relationship with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust to monitor patients that have had recent treatment for macular degeneration or write initial reports for patients suspected of having wet macular degeneration. This service can only be accessed via referral from Maidstone Hospital.
2-week Post-Cataract Surgery Assessment
After having your cataract surgery in a service within Kent and Medway, you can choose to see us for your 2-week post-operative follow up and ensure your vision is on track for full recovery. During this visit, we will check your vision, examine the healing of your eye and address any questions or concerns you may have.
