THE Eye Unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital treats more than 34,000 patients and carries out around 10,000 procedures a year.
The Unit is getting busier, with an increasing number of people needing emergency eye treatment or advice.
Although an appointment-based system for urgent eye appointments has been running for the last eight years, around ten people a day turn up without an appointment.
Members of the public who have an urgent eye problem are being asked to phone first, on 01202 704181. This will ensure you receive instant and appropriate for advice as well as access to treatment fast.
Those phoning the emergency helpline will speak to an experienced ophthalmic nurse who will then make a decision about the most appropriate form of care.
This could mean seeing a GP or an optometrist or it may mean dropping everything and coming into the Eye Unit’s Acute Referral Unit straight away.
The appointment system also means patients should avoid long waits in the department.
Dr Mary Armitage, Medical Director
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