Skip to main content

Ophthalmology

We are offering Ophthalmology appointments to our longest waiting patients with the greatest need. To reduce waiting times, we are running additional weekend, evening hospital clinics and partnership Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy services with five Optometry practices across North Wales.

To reduce Cataract and laser treatment waiting times, we are working with private provider SpaMedica, located on the Wirral in North-West England.

COVID-19 is still having a huge impact on how we deliver our planned care services and securing this contract with SpaMedica means many of our patients will be able to benefit from quicker access to Cataract and Laser surgery and other procedures over the coming months.

This service commenced in December 2021 and we are contacting patients who may benefit to offer this option. Transport can be provided for patients who may find it difficult to travel. 

We know how hard it is for people who have patiently waited, sometimes in very difficult circumstances, and we would ask that people continue to be patient and respectful to our staff as we do our best to reach as many people as quickly as possible.

The Ophthalmic Service consists of Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, Specialist Nurses and support staff. We offer a General Ophthalmic Service, treating all common conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Referrals

Normal access to our Outpatient Clinics is via referral from a General Practitioner or Optometrist. We hold regular outpatient clinics at:

Ysbyty Gwynedd Llandudno General Hospital Ruthin Community Hospital
Dolgellau and Barmouth Hospital Colwyn Bay Community Hospital Deeside Community Hospital
Bryn Beryl Hospital, Pwllheli Abergele Hospital Mold Community Hospital
Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley, Holyhead Holywell Community Hospital Wrexham Maelor Hospital

The most common reasons for referral to our service are:

  • Cataracts
  • Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  • Glaucoma
  • Dry eyes
  • Floaters and flashers
  • Cysts (minor eyelid lesions)
  • Watery eyes
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Squints

Other Clinics

As well as general outpatient clinics, we run specialist clinics for:

  • Diabetic patients
  • Patients with Glaucoma
  • Cataract Pathway
  • Age Related Macular Degeneration

If patients need to stay in hospital overnight during their treatment, inpatient beds are available. 

The department is closely linked to the Orthoptic Service which can be accessed via referral from the Consultant.