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 services
We do not accept direct patient referrals.
If you have an eye problem the community eye care service may be appropriate for you.
The Community Eye Care Service (CUES) provides urgent assessment, treatment or referral for sudden onset eye problems such as flashes, floaters, vision loss or minor eye injuries (including ocular pain and irritation), red eyes and ingrowing lashes.
Please see link to Community Eye Care Service leaflet below for further information on this service.
Community Eye Care Service phone number: 0300 303 4922
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
Deciding on surgery for Strabismus-Squint (Turn in the eye)
Paediatric Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Repeated Toxin injections for Strabismus
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): Mrs Sarah Mackenzie
Secretary – 01423 553277
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon: Mr Tim Metcalfe
Secretary – 01423 553565
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Medical Retina Specialist): Mr Gavin Walters
Secretary – 01423 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