Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye.

The Ophthalmology Department

In the Ophthalmology Department, we offer specialist clinics and surgery to examine and treat all eye conditions.

Ophthalmic assessments and treatments are offered in a variety of locations. The main Ophthalmology Department is at Harrogate District Hospital, where we offer surgery in the Ophthalmic Day Surgery  Outreach services are also offered at Harrogate District Hospital, in the Phoenix Unit, Briary Wing. Department and specialist clinics are provided in Zone 6 of the Outpatient Department. We also offer outreach clinics at Ripon Community Hospital.

We provide clinics for a wide range of conditions and problems, including:

  • Urgent referrals (from the Emergency Department)
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration
  • Medical retina conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Minor operations and laser treatment
  • Angiography
  • Squints
  • Many other conditions

The Ophthalmic Day Surgery Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital. This is where our Ophthalmic Surgeons perform various operations including cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery.

The Ophthalmology Department also consists of an Orthoptic Team who work alongside our Consultants and provide assessment and treatment for various eye conditions affecting both children and adults.

In the department, there is also an Optician Team who perform refraction tests and low vision assessments.

Orthoptics and optometry

We have dedicated orthoptic and optician teams. The orthoptic team works alongside our consultants to assess and treatment various eye conditions affecting both children and adults.

Our opticians perform refraction tests and low vision assessments.

Location

Harrogate District Hospital
Main Outpatient Department
Zone 6 & 7

Community eye care service

We do not accept direct patient referrals.

If you have an eye problem the community eye care service may be appropriate for you.

Patient Initiated Follow up Information

What is a Patient Initiated Follow Up?

A patient-initiated follow up or ‘PIFU’ allows you to make an appointment with your Ophthalmology team when you need it, rather than having a regular or prearranged clinic visit.

The service helps to reduce unnecessary appointments and supports people with an appointment when needed without having to go back through their GP.

PIFU isn’t suitable for everyone. The ophthalmology team will discuss this type of appointment with you to see if it may be suitable for you.  If you feel that this is not suitable, you can continue to have a regular booked clinic visit.

If you are put on a PIFU pathway your consultant will be fully informed.

What happens if I am placed on a PIFU?

If you agree to a PIFU then you will no longer be given a routine follow-up clinic appointment.

You will be able to contact the service directly to arrange a follow-up appointment as and when you feel concerned, as long as it is within the specified time period.

For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP remains your first point of contact.

Please click to download the Guide Card for your condition from the list below­­

Acute or Recurrent Anterior Uveitis

Age Related Macular Degeneration – inc Amsler Grid

Allergic Conjunctivitis and- or Blepharitis

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Certain PVD with concerns

Chalazion

Deciding on surgery for Strabismus-Squint (Turn in the eye)

Episcleritis

Angiogram (OCTA or FFA)

Low Vision Aid (LVA) Clinic

Paediatric Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Paediatric Pseudo Squint

Post routine cataract surgery

Repeated Toxin injections for Strabismus

Stable Double Vision

Viral conjunctivitis with mild keratitis or significant inflammation treated

How do I book a PIFU appointment?

Booking a PIFU appointment is straightforward. Simply ring 01423 542217. You will have a call-back from a member of the ophthalmology team to help understand your question or concern prior to booking a virtual or face to face appointment.

In order to maintain the necessary contact with you please ensure you notify the department of any changes to your contact details and mailing address.

Key staff

Clinical Lead & Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Medical Retina Specialist): Mr Sarah Mackenzie

Secretary – 01423 553277


Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon: Mr Tim Metcalfe

Secretary – 01423 553565


Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Medical Retina Specialist): Mr Gavin Walters

Secretary01423 553277


Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Paediatric Specialist): Mr Murad Moosa

Secretary – 01423 555705


Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Paediatric Specialist): Mr Kevin Falzon

Secretary – 01423 555705


Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Glaucoma Specialist): Mrs Joanna Liput

Secretary – 01423 553375


Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Glaucoma Specialist): Mr Joshua Pilling

       Secretary – 01423 553665