Children's ophthalmology

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Paediatric eye service

Specialist eye care for children and young people in Tower Hamlets

Our paediatric eye service supports children who have, or may be at risk of, eye conditions. This includes:

  • Premature babies who need screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
  • Children who have not passed eye checks by a health visitor or optician
  • Children with vision problems, squints, or those who need ongoing monitoring due to a higher risk of developing an eye condition

We also offer dedicated services for:

  • Children with additional needs
  • Children with hearing loss
  • Children with Down’s syndrome

Our team works alongside eye care liaison officers (ECLOs) who offer extra support for children and their families throughout their care.

What to expect at the Children's Eye Clinic

Paediatric ophthalmology - what to expect text

Attending our children’s eye clinics

What to expect at your child’s appointment

If you're visiting us soon, here’s what you need to know:

  • Paediatric eye appointments usually last between one to two hours
  • The exact length and steps will depend on the type of eye tests or assessments your child needs

Watch our short video to find out more about what will happen during the appointment.

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Contact us

Sunny and the team are here for you

Visit us in the hospitals

Contact us about your appointment

  • The Royal London: 020 359 42757 or email us
  • Whipps Cross: 020 8535 6710 or email us
  • Newham: 020 7767 3343 or email us 

 

Eye drops video

What to Expect from Your Appointment

What to expect from your appointment

Supporting your child every step of the way

At your child’s eye appointment, we aim to make the experience calm, clear and reassuring for both children and families.

Here’s what to expect:

  • We’ll explain what will happen in a child-friendly way
  • Your child may have different eye tests, depending on what the appointment is for
  • We may use eye drops to help us check the back of the eye or how well the eyes are working together
  • You’ll have a chance to ask questions and share any concerns
  • If your child needs ongoing care, we’ll discuss the next steps or follow-up plans with you

We always aim to involve families in decisions and tailor our care to your child’s needs.

Your first eye test at Newham Hospital[pdf] 6MB

Your first eye test at The Royal London Hospital[pdf] 1MB

Your first eye test at Whipps Cross Hospital[pdf] 1MB

Cyclopentolate, Tropicamide, Phenylephrine and Proxymetacaine eye drops [pdf] 206KB

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Referrals to the children’s eye service

Information for GPs and healthcare professionals

GPs referring to some Barts Health eye services should use the Advice and Referral (A&R) process via the Advice and Guidance (A&G) pathway on eRS.

Referrals can also be made through Choose and Book.

  • Advice and guidance requests submitted via Choose and Book will be reviewed, and a clinician will respond within five working days
  • Emergency eye conditions in children should be referred directly to the on-call ophthalmology doctor via the hospital switchboard
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Transitioning to adult eye care

Support for young people with learning disabilities

If your child is moving from paediatric to adult eye care and has a learning disability, there are a few options available:

  • Eye tests can be arranged through local opticians using the SeeAbility charity, which helps find optometrists who offer reasonable adjustments
  • Some opticians may also offer home visits for people who are eligible
  • If a local optician isn’t suitable or there are specific concerns, your GP can refer you to the specialist hospital adult learning disabilities eye clinic
  • If your child is already being seen in a paediatric eye clinic, their care may transfer automatically when they reach the appropriate age

Contact us for more information

  1. Sunny waving hello
    Preparing for your visit
  2. Sunny jumping with a microphone on green background
    Meet the play team
  3. Sick Sunny on a blue background
    Looking after a sick child
  4. Smiling nurse on telephone
    Contact us

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