The Ophthalmic Department at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital has recently expanded to provide a full spectrum of ophthalmic services at District General Hospital level. In addition to general ophthalmology, the eight Consultants in the department have developed specialist interest in macular degeneration, diabetes, uveitis, cornea, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, paediatric ophthalmology and ocular motility, to provide a more specialist input when necessary.
A vitreo-retinal service is provided by Mr Martin Snead, a visiting consultant from Cambridge. Cataract surgery is provided by most Consultants with very short waiting times. A direct cataract enhanced referral pathway is available via accredited optometrists to expedite the referral process. A one-stop Intra-vitreal Service provides treatment for most medical retinal conditions in accordance with NICE guidance.
The department is well equipped with the latest diagnostic facilities which include a digital fundus camera with fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, multispot retinal laser, YAG laser, visual field analyser, optical coherence tomography, optic disc and nerve fibre layer assessment and corneal topography.
Referrals from GP’s are accepted via E-RS only.
Referrals from Optometrists are accepted via:
1. Standard GOS18/Referrals
(i) nhs.net email to [email protected]; OR
(ii) post to “Clinic Clerks’ Office, Luton & Dunstable Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton LU4 0DZ”
2. Any “direct-access Cataract referrals” (if you are accredited on the cataract shared-care pathway)
(i) nhs.net email to [email protected]; OR
(ii) post to: “FAO: Akil Kanani, Lead Optometrist, Eye Department, Ophthalmology, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton LU4 0DZ”
Rapid Access AMD referrals are accepted
(i) from GP’s via ERS only via triage service, please search for:
AMD-RAS-Ophthalmology-Luton & Dunstable Hospital-RC9
(ii) from Optometrists via nhs.net email to [email protected]
Please ensure any suspected Rapid Access AMD referrals are sent urgently within 1 working day of seeing the patient. Please find the referral form here.
To families of all our patients, we wanted to give a reminder that sadly, at both Bedford and the Luton & Dunstable Hospital, we are still unable to allow any visitors on site, unless there are exceptional circumstances, for example in maternity or children’s departments, or for those patients who are receiving palliative treatment at the end of their lives, on a case-by-case basis.
At Bedford we will call one designated member of family every day between 1.30pm and 4.30pm with a daily phone update. Those who miss a call back during this time and are concerned can contact the helpline on 01234 730500.
For the Luton & Dunstable, we are offering a dedicated Next of Kin helpline for family members who want to check up on their loved ones – please nominate one family member to call 01582 718884 between 8am and 6pm.
