Ophthalmology

An ophthalmologist looks after the health of your eyes and the area around them. Not only can they prescribe glasses, but they can identify, diagnose and treat problems which might result in blurred vision, red or painful eyes, squints, loss of vision or headaches.

An Ophthalmologist is different to an Optician and an Optometrist. An optician can fit glasses using a prescription given by a Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, but cannot diagnose eye complaints or prescribe appropriate glasses themselves.

An Optometrist can prescribe glasses to correct vision, and can test eyes to determine what strength prescription is needed.

An Ophthalmologist, however, can identify, diagnose and treat the complete range of eye complaints, injuries and disorders. Because an Ophthalmologist is a certified medical doctor they can perform surgery on eyes to correct any major complaints.

Our vision is so important-it allows us to work, enjoy socialising, and watch our families and friends grow up. Looking after your eye health should be a priority for everyone.

Without proper care, many minor eye complaints can develop into more major problems, permanently threatening the vision of the sufferer. Some warning signs of an eye complaint could be:

• Bulging eyes
• A ‘dark curtain’ that block part of your vision
• Double or distorted vision
• Coloured halos around lights
• Temporary or regular decreased vision
• Painful and/or red eyes

If you have any of the above, it is important to see an Ophthalmologist. It is also important that people with diabetes, high blood pressure HIV/AIDS, or Thyroid disorders receive regular eye checks, as these conditions can severely effect one’s eyesight.

Our Ophthalmology service will put the patient at the heart of everything we do to and will feature state of the art technology, practices, and equipment to make sure the community’s vision is looked after.

The Jamal Memorial Trust Hospital will have a dedicated ward for eye care. Should patients need surgery, they will have a clean, well ventilated and calming area to recover in, with beautiful and restorative gardens outside to appreciate their improved vision in.

Nobody should go blind because they have inadequate access to eye care.