Before you visit

Before you come and visit we would like to make you aware of some important points:

• Our hospital is a specialist eye hospital and we treat eye emergencies only.
• A&E is not a ‘walk in’ clinic. You will be asked to see your optician or GP if you do not have an emergency.
• If your eye problem is not an emergency, you should see your optician or GP who will refer you to one of our specialist clinics if necessary.
• Please note that we do not give out second opinions.
• We do not provide repeat prescriptions. If you need a repeat prescription please see your GP or local pharmacist. We are unable to issue repeat prescriptions in A&E.
• We do not treat non urgent problems such as dry eyes, itchy eyes, hay fever, or cataracts.

The trust operates a zero tolerance policy in regards to abusive and aggressive behaviour towards our staff.

This is a 24-hour service for eye emergencies only.

When you visit our A&E department the decision made about your treatment is based upon clinical expertise and your individual needs. We therefore ask that you respect our doctors’ or nurses’ decision on the treatment that has been considered best for you.

The service is not for general advice on minor conditions or to discuss use of medications or upcoming appointments. Please read the following before you log on to use the service, as this will help us and you save time in getting the correct care.

• If you are under the care of another eye hospital, you must contact them for advice first. If you live closer to another eye unit, we will redirect you there.
• Even if you have been advised to call us by your GP or 111, you may not be seen if you do not fulfil the above criteria and your condition is not an emergency. ​
• If you are not NHS eligible or live outside the UK, we are unable to help you. 
• Attend Anywhere is not an examination. It's a chance for you to speak to a Moorfields clinician to discuss whether you need to attend eye casualty.
• This is not an emergency service. If you are in danger and require urgent help, dial 999. ​

Following triage, you may be seen on the day or informed that no treatment is needed at the service and advised to see your GP or optician. Alternatively, you may be booked into an urgent care clinic at City Road for a different day.

Please note, this service does not replace a full ophthalmic examination. Instead, it is aimed to help the doctor decide the safest action for you. Some patients may be asked to come to hospital for a further examination, whilst others can be managed locally.

For faster access to a member of our team A&E runs a video consultation service, which can be accessed at any time without an appointment. Our virtual consultations are available Monday to Sunday: 9:00am to 9:00pm

These video consultations will allow us to assess your condition and provide advice on whether or not you need to come into our A&E department for further checks.

If you require urgent medical advice out of these hours, you can contact our A&E department on 020 7253 3411.