We hope that this page answers many of the questions you might have, but please feel free to call us if there is anything else you need to ask.
Our telephone number is 020 7566 2593
Monday- Friday: 8.30am-1.00pm
Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 7.30am-5.00pm.
Monday -Thursday: 1.30pm-7.30 pm
Friday: 1.30pm-6.00pm
Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 9am- 5.30pm
The VRE clinic is a highly specialised service, accepting referrals from all over the country. Due to some patients requiring surgery on the same day they are referred to the clinic, we cannot operate on a first-come, first-served policy. The length of time you may have to wait for treatment will depend on how many patients need to be treated and the seriousness of your condition.
Please note, if your condition can be treated by laser, you will need to wait until all patients have been seen and diagnosed.
You may be discharged after your first visit, but you might need a further appointment in the Moorfields’ outpatient VR clinic. Details of follow-up appointments will be posted to you.
The order of the operating list is decided by your priority of need for surgery, which can change throughout the day. All patients are referred to as an ‘emergency’ – however your surgeon will decide whether the operation needs to be done immediately, or whether it can wait. Moorfields is a day surgery hospital, so you should be discharged home on the same day – but you may need to return the next morning for a review to check that everything is okay. Operations can be done under local or general anaesthetic.
Local anaesthetic
Patients can eat and drink as normal and take regular medications as usual. You will generally be able to travel home alone.
General anaesthetic
Patients can eat a light breakfast before 7am if their surgery is scheduled on a week day, but must fast from midnight if surgery is scheduled for a weekend or bank holiday. You will need to be escorted home and arrange for someone to stay with you overnight after your operation. Further information on this will be given to you by the nurse in clinic.
On the day of your surgery, please take your regular medications as usual, bringing them with you to the hospital. Diabetic patients who are fasting in preparation for general anaesthesia should call us for diabetic medication advice on 020 7566 2590.
Author: Yvonne Kana, Harry Orlans
Review date: June 2026