Optical Services

Optical Services

Optical Services include the filling of optical prescriptions, dispensing eyewear and related products, fitting glasses, and all associated activities.

We offer services at a number of different hospital and community locations to all patients located across the boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, West Essex and Newham.

Optical Services - Intro to service

We aim to provide excellent quality care to all our patients and relatives. We see patients of all ages and our team consist of dedicated Orthoptists, Optometrists, Support Workers and administration staff. ​

Services provided: ​
  • Adult orthoptic clinics ​
  • Adult optometry refraction clinics ​
  • Optometry low vision clinics ​
  • Optometry contact lens clinics
  • Paediatric eye clinics 

Our clinics

Paediatric Eye Clinics

At the Whipps Cross Eye Treatment Centre and Children's Outpatient Department (Junction 3), we offer a comprehensive range of treatments for children's eye conditions. Our services are also available at various community locations for your convenience.

Our specialised children's eye care includes diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as squints (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), refractive errors, as well as issues related to the eye socket, tear glands, eyelids, external and corneal diseases, and genetic eye disorders.

Our experienced team consists of consultant ophthalmologists, orthoptists, optometrists, nurses, an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO), and a dedicated support worker, ensuring well-rounded, expert care for your child.

We provide various treatment options including eye patches, eye exercises, prisms, and corrective glasses.

To book an appointment with us, please consult your GP, local optometrist, health visitor, or school nurse. If further specialist care is needed, they will refer you to our outpatient clinic at Whipps Cross or one of our community locations.

Adult Optometry Refraction Clinics

​ We offer sight tests (refraction) when it is recommended by your hospital ophthalmologist. The service is for more complex cases and prescriptions that required hospital input and co-ordinated care that cannot be provided by your own community Optometrists.  ​

A copy of your prescription will be provided to you to enable you to have glasses dispensed at your own optometrist.  If you are entitled to help with the cost of your glasses we will be able to provide you with an hospital eye service (HES) voucher.

Help with health costs including glasses' prescriptions.

Adult Orthoptic Clinics ​

Orthoptists are specialists in the assessment and diagnosis of adult strabismus and ocular motility problems, which are often related to general medical or neurological conditions.   ​

We see patients with a wide range of conditions affecting their vision. Patients may be directly experiencing symptoms such as blurred, oscillating or double vision, or they may exhibit outward signs, such as misalignment or uncontrolled movement of the eyes or abnormal head positions. ​

We commonly work with patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke, brain tumours or multiple sclerosis.  We offer a direct referral ward and out-patient service for stroke suffers from the hospital and community therapy and stroke teams.

Optometry Low Vision Aid (LVA) Clinics ​

Our assessments help to determine what everyday tasks our patients find difficult and aim to help patients maintain independence with the use of low vision aids. We see patients of all ages. ​

We work closely with the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) who can provide support and help with a range of needs including the certificate of visual impairment (CVI).

More support

Optometry Contact Lens Clinics

Our contact lens service treat patients whose vision cannot be improved with spectacles, but can be improved with contact lenses. ​ We can prescribe and fit contact lenses for a range of medical eye conditions including keratoconus, corneal distortion, or scarred corneas.  ​

We also treat patients with very high prescriptions or to relieve pain or aid cosmesis if your eye has become unsightly due to damange e.g. infection or trauma.  ​ Your GP or the hospital Ophthalmologist can refer you to our clinics.  

Make a payment for your contact lenses 

Contact us for more general contact lenses enquiries​

Where to find us

Clinic locations
Whipps Cross Hospital 
  • Eye Treatment Centre 
  • Children's Outpatients 
Community clinic locations

Waltham Forest: 

Redbridge:

Special school locations 

Waltham Forest: 

  • Whitefields School
  • William Morris School
  • Brookfields School 

Redbridge:

  • St John's 
  • Hatton
  • Newbridge — Barley Lane & Gresham Drive