Sudden changes in vision can be frightening, and some eye conditions require prompt specialist attention. The Retina Clinic London (TRCL) provides 24/7 urgent contact and guidance for patients and referring clinicians.
When to seek urgent advice
Please contact TRCL promptly if you experience:
- Sudden loss, deterioration, blurring or distortion of vision
- New flashes of light or floaters
- A sudden increase in existing floaters
- A dark curtain, veil or shadow across your vision
- Loss of part of your visual field or a new blind spot
- Sudden or severe eye pain
- Persistent or worsening aching pain in or around the eye
- A painful red eye, particularly with reduced vision or light sensitivity
- Eye trauma or injury
- New or worsening pain, redness or loss of vision following eye surgery, an injection or laser treatment
These symptoms do not always indicate an eye emergency, but they may need prompt assessment to establish the cause and determine whether treatment is required.
Direct access for patients and referrers
Patients and healthcare professionals can contact TRCL directly, with no referral required.
Each enquiry is assessed so that the team can recommend the most appropriate next step. Depending on the symptoms and their urgency, this may include specialist assessment at TRCL, same-day specialist assessment and treatment as appropriate, an appointment at the earliest suitable time, or advice to attend a hospital emergency department.
The 24/7 service means that patients and healthcare professionals can contact us for urgent guidance at any time. In-person assessment and treatment are then arranged according to clinical urgency and availability.
TRCL’s facilities include advanced retinal imaging, laser treatment, intravitreal treatment and a dedicated onsite operating theatre, creating a coordinated pathway from urgent assessment to treatment.
For referring clinicians, providing details about the onset of symptoms, recent procedures and examination findings can help the team assess urgency and direct the patient to the appropriate specialist.
When to attend hospital immediately
Some emergencies require the wider facilities of a hospital. Seek hospital emergency care immediately for a chemical or penetrating eye injury, high-velocity injury, or severe trauma to the eye, face or head.
Immediate hospital care is also essential when sudden vision loss occurs with weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, severe dizziness or other neurological symptoms. Do not wait for TRCL to respond if there is an immediate concern for your general health or safety.
Contact TRCL
Urgent contact and guidance are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on +44 (0)20 4548 5310.
In-person assessment and treatment are arranged according to clinical urgency and availability.
Find out more about emergency eye care at The Retina Clinic London.