No visitors are allowed, except under exceptional circumstances – Further details...
Last updated: 27 March 2020
No visitors are allowed, except under exceptional circumstances. The exceptions to the no visitor policy include:
A nominated person supporting a terminally ill patient through their end of life care
A parent/guardian who is supporting a child
The chosen support person of a woman who is giving birth. This does not apply to the woman’s postnatal stay however, and no visitors will be permitted during this stage of the woman’s care
The decision about whether exceptional circumstances apply outside of these exemptions is at the discretion of the Charge Nurse/Midwife Manager or another lead clinician.
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to visit at any time.
All visitors will be assessed at the entry to ensure they meet the exception criteria and will be required to register their details.
Visitors who are unwell will not be allowed entry.
These restrictions apply to all wards and services at all times, including the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.
The Eye Outpatients services are now on Level 2 of the new Christchurch Outpatients building.
The Christchurch Outpatients entrance is at 245 Antigua Street/2 Oxford Terrace.
There is a drop off and pick up zone outside the Outpatients, but parking is very limited, so you are likely to need to park further away. We recommend use of the Lichfield Street hospital shuttle.
Hospital volunteers are usually on hand to help patients who need assistance.
The eye nurse or orthoptist will check your vision.
They may also put eye drops into your eyes which helps us see your eyes better. These eye drops can last more than 24 hours. They make your eyes blurry and make you sensitive to light for that time.
You may have an appointment with the orthoptist and with the doctor as well who will ask questions about your vision, medical history and look into your eyes and may ask you to look up or down.
They will put a patch over one eye at a time and play matching games with you to test your vision.
The consultation with doctor will be much the same as the orthoptist.
Receptionist
Orthoptists (specialised staff member working with children with eye problems)
Eye Nurses
Eye Doctors
If you wear glasses please bring these with you.
Sunglasses or a hat will protect you from being light sensitive after you have dilating eye drops.
Also bring snacks, drinks and games or books to amuse you for what may be a long wait.
Having a spare change of nappies for babies is also a good idea.
Please note...
There can be delays in seeing patients so we advise not to schedule another appointment within two hours of your eye appointment time.
You may be required to see more than one health professional at an appointment visit. There is often more than one clinic running simultaneously, so the waiting times for each of the clinics may be different.
Remember, if you’re not sure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
