There are three quick and easy steps to start your cataract journey at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Step one – visit your optometrist or GP
If you’d like to be referred to our specialist eye doctors, you should see the GP you’re registered with, or your local optometrist. They’ll be able to look at your symptoms and say if your symptoms need referral for an assessment with a specialist.
An optometrist may also highlight signs of cataract while you’re having a regular sight test, in which case they’ll also suggest referral to a specialist provider. This is one of the reasons we recommend that all adults have a sight test every two years, even if you don’t wear glasses or contact lenses.
Step two – ask your optometrist or GP to refer you to Moorfields
As a patient, you have the right to choose which healthcare provider you are referred to. At your appointment, ask your GP or optometrist to refer you to Moorfields Eye Hospital. We have sites across London so you can access the great care of Moorfields close to home. Choose from:
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road
- Moorfields, Bedford Hospital
- Moorfields Eye Centre at Croydon University Hospital
- Moorfields Eye Centre at Ealing Hospital
- Moorfields Eye Centre at Northwick Park Hospital
- Moorfields Eye Unit at Potters Bar Community Hospital
- Moorfields Eye Unit at Queen Mary's Hospital
- Moorfields Eye Unit at St Ann’s Hospital
- Moorfields Eye Centre at St George's Hospital
- Moorfields at Stratford
Even if your GP or optometrist recommend a different provider, you have the right to request to be referred to Moorfields.
We accept referrals for cataract patients living anywhere in London. We welcome all types of cataract referral. We also have the expertise to treat complex cases where there is an underlying eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or a history of retinal detachment.
Step three – we'll do the rest!
Once you’ve been referred to Moorfields, we’ll contact you with your appointment date.
At your appointment, a Moorfields clinician will examine your eye and be able to advise if they would recommend undergoing cataract surgery for treatment.
Your care, your choice
In some cases after referral, you’ll be sent a form with different local providers you can choose to book an appointment with. If you’ve requested Moorfields, it’ll include us as a choice.
Remember, your patient choice doesn’t end at choosing a hospital. You can make decisions about your care throughout your journey. You may want to wait before undergoing surgery, for example. Our clinicians will work with you to come to a shared understanding and care plan.