Appointments

You will need a REFERRAL LETTER from your General Practitioner (G.P.) in order to obtain an outpatient appointment. Please instruct your GP to forward your referral electronically via healthlink or post the referral letter as this is the most efficient method of requesting appointments. There is no need to hand deliver your referral letters as this often causes a delay in processing. We accept referrals from other medical consultants and from the Accident and Emergency Department following assessment.

The letter should be addressed to:

The Appointments Office
Outpatients Department
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital
Adelaide Road
Dublin 2

What happens after a referral letter is sent in?

The referral letters are registered on the Hospital database and then forwarded to a Consultant Team who review the request and decide on the most appropriate appointment schedule based on medical need.

Patients are then informed in writing of the appointment date and time. Please note, that the waiting time for routine appointments is currently about 3 years.

You may be asked to attend for blood tests or x-rays in advance of your appointment so that these results will be available on your appointment date. This will also minimise delays regarding treatment.

What will happen when I attend for my appointment?

Please aim to arrive at appointed time.

Always check in at the reception desk on arrival, otherwise we will not know you are here and your chart will not come into clinic therefore resulting in delays.

Please inform staff at check in if you have any disability. We can then make the appropriate arrangements to facilitate your visit to our department.

Depending on your specific needs your appointment could take 3-4 hours. If tests are involved you may be seen by several members of staff – Doctor, Nurse, Orthoptist etc

Children and minors must be accompanied and supervised at all times. Play volunteers are present on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

It is important that you remember the following:

Ensure that your appointment date and time is kept in a secure place. Please notify the Hospital in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment. The appointment can then be given to another person on the Hospital waiting list for Outpatient Department Services.

Please bring your up-to-date distance and reading glasses.

Please note * Eye exammination frequently involves pupil dilation, which causes blurred vision. It is therefore advisable not to drive. These drops will likely blur your vision for several hours. It is also advised that you bring a pair of sunglasses with you as they will provide comfort from glare on sunny days.

Please inform us on arrival of any special needs you may have so that we can facillitate your needs during your visit to the Hospital.

Bring a list of any medicines, drops and ointments including any herbal or non-prescription drugs you are taking. If easier, please bring all you medicines in their original containers.

If you are diabetic please take your insulin/ medication and meals as normal before you attend your appointment. It is also advised that you bring your insulin or medication if you are due to take them during your appointed time. Please bring a snack with you in case of delay or if you have special dietary needs.

There are no parking facilities available in the Hospital grounds. Street parking is available and it is advisable to bring plenty of coinage for the meters as there are no change stations or ATM available in the Hospital.

To get the most from your visit you should:

Prepare a list of questions you want to discuss.

Bring a relative or a friend with you as this may make you feel more comfortable.

If you don’t understand what you doctor is saying please do not hesitate to ask him/her to explain again.

Write down important points.

Don’t be afraid to express your concerns and say how you really feel.

Information leaflets on many eye conditions and advice are available in the waiting area and we encourage you to take them home and read them. A number of them are also available on this website.

If you are given a prescription it can be filled at your own local or any community pharmacy.

At the end of you consultation check your list and make sure that your questions are answered.

If you have attended the hospital in the past please bring your hospital reference number (if available).

Contact

Telephone: Office lines between 9am to 3pm

01  664 4600