The department of Ophthalmology is based at St Thomas’ Hospital and sits within the Directorate of Medical Specialties at Guy's and St Thomas'.
We treat a wide range of eye conditions in adults, young people and children.
Our service
For emergencies we offer a specialist eye rapid access service in the eye department at St Thomas’ Hospital. The service opens at 08.45 to register patients with the clinic running from 09.00 to 16.00 Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays. At all other times, patients with eye emergencies need to attend A&E at St Thomas’ Hospital.
If you live in the Boroughs of Lambeth, Lewisham or Southwark, we partner with local optometrists for the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS).
We have a strong research background and are a major teaching and training unit for both undergraduate and post graduate ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, ophthalmic nurses, ophthalmic imagers and ophthalmic technicians from all over the world.
History
The Ridley clinic was named after Sir Harold Ridley, who pioneered artificial intraocular lens implantation after cataract surgery. He performed the first implantation here in 1949.
St Thomas’ was also the first place in the UK where laser refractive surgery was carried out.