Strike action by junior doctors will take place at our hospital and community sites from 7am on Tuesday 11 April to 7am on Saturday 15 April. We'll contact you if you or your child’s appointment is affected. We apologise for any inconvenience.

A number of transport strikes are due to take place this March. If you or your child has an appointment at one of our hospitals or community centres, please plan ahead and do all you can to attend. If you need to cancel your appointment, please contact your clinical team.

Ophthalmology (eye) referrals

Who can refer

We accept referrals from GPs and from optometrists, made via the GP.

How to refer

All NHS GP referrals must be submitted using the NHS e-Referral service (formerly Choose and Book).

Referrals sent to the nhs.net mailbox or by post from GPs will not be processed.

Please make sure that: 

  • for urgent referrals – all clinical letters are attached within one working day of the appointment request
  • for routine referrals – all clinical letters are attached within three working days of the appointment request.

Referral criteria

We accept referrals for the following paediatric eye conditions:

  • squint (strabismus)
  • eye movement disorder
  • paediatric cataracts
  • paediatric corneal problems
  • paediatric glaucoma
  • ptosis
  • visually inattentive babies (non-seeing children)
  • paediatric high refractive errors
  • amblyopia
  • blocked tear ducts and watery eyes
  • orbital lumps and pathology
  • inflammatory diseases of the eyes, systemic diseases and eye.
  • contact lens fitting in children
  • keratoconus and corneal diseases
  • inherited and genetic eye diseases
  • paediatric neuroophthalmology conditions
  • retinopathy of prematurity.

This service is restricted to patients under the age of 16 years.

Urgent referrals

Please use the advice and guidance service on the NHS e-Referral Service.

Contacts

Post:

Paediatric eye department
3rd floor, South Wing, staircase B,
St Thomas' Hospital
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH