Orthoptics and visual fields patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your appointment.

Before your appointment

New patients will be seen six to eight weeks from referral. You are welcome to bring a relative, close friend or carer with you to your appointment, though please note accompanying children are not allowed in the visual fields room.

Please bring with you all of your own glasses, a copy of the prescription from your optician and the name and address of your GP. It is helpful if you can ask family members if a similar eye problem has occurred in your extended family.

Effective treatment relies on regular attendance at the clinics, appointments with us are in high demand so please cancel and rebook if you know you can’t use the appointment time given to you by calling our booking centre on 020 3312 6000.

During your appointment

At Western Eye Hospital there is no receptionist, please go to the first floor automatic check in machine and sit in the visual fields waiting room. When you self check-in please check your details on the system are up to date so we can keep you informed about changes to clinics.

At Charing Cross Hospital please check in at the eye clinic reception on the first floor in the south wing and take a seat in the eye clinic waiting room.

If an orthoptist has not called after 30 minutes please ask a member of staff if there is a delay.

Appointment times will vary depending on the reason for your visit:

• Visual field appointments take 15 to 30 minutes. During this appointment you will sit and stare at a central spot and click a button when you see lights flash anywhere in your vision
• Orthoptist appointments take between 40 to 90 minutes. During this appointment you will have a vision test, a check for squints and eye movement problems by looking at targets and different distances and in different positions
• Orthoptist and ophthalmologist appointments will take up to two hours

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students, pre-registration optometrist and orthoptic students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the orthoptist know and the students will be asked to step outside.

After your appointment

A follow up appointment will be part of the management plan discussed with you after diagnosis.