Eye Casualty

Eye casualty departments provide care for patients who have any eye conditions that can’t be treated by a GP or at a Minor Injuries Unit. Patients are treated by doctors, nurse specialists and optometrists. Priority is given to patients with sight-threatening conditions.

What kind of treatment can I get at Eye Casualty?

Eye casualty departments treat a variety of problems including:

• Foreign bodies and abrasions
• Conjunctivitis
• Corneal ulcers
• Painful eyes
• Loss of vision
• Accidents/injuries
• Visual disturbances

Newcastle’s Eye Emergency Department is based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) Hospital. For more information, including opening times and contact details, visit The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust website.

Other Useful Information

• Eye Clinic Liaison Service is based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). They can offer emotional support, advice and information at any stage of sight loss. You don’t need to be referred from another health professional and you don’t necessarily need an appointment. You may also be referred to other services.

• NHS 111 is the new telephone service which has replaced NHS Direct. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time.
• NHS.UK  is a website providing health and medical advice, an online symptom checker and a facility for searching for services near you.

Please note – The content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you are feeling unwell, make an appointment to see your GP or contact NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999.

Last updated: October 8, 2021