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 ldophthalmology@nhs.net; 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 ldh-tr.ldcataractreferrals@nhs.net; 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 ldophthalmology@nhs.net
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.
Although on the 19 July 2021 regulations around the use of facemasks / coverings and social distancing will change across the country, at Bedfordshire Hospitals all COVID infection prevention control measures currently in place will remain the same.
The Trust has decided it is currently not safe to lift all restrictions at our hospitals.
Everyone attending our sites will still be required to wear a facemask (unless medically exempt), adhere to social distancing and attend your appointments alone especially in our Emergency Departments and Outpatients (exclusions apply to our paediatric patients and those requiring carer support)
Visiting is now permitted on most of our adult inpatient wards in a controlled manner. Appointments need to be pre-booked with ward staff.
Full details about attending our hospitals and visiting is available here.
