In this section
You will be required to undertake a pre-operative assessment before your operation. The assessment aims to ensure that you are fit and well prior to your operation.
Your pre-operative assessment can take place either on the day that you are told you need surgery, or at a later date. It cannot take place on the day of surgery itself.
This is a nurse led service and is a health check to make sure that you are fully prepared for your hospital admission, treatment and discharge.
What to bring with you:
- A list of all prescribed medication that you are taking and take your tablets/medicines/insulin as normal before your appointment unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Reading and distance glasses (if worn).
- A sample of urine, that has been passed on the morning or afternoon of your appointment.
- If you take anticoagulant tablets, please bring your results book.
- If you have a pacemaker or internal heart device please bring any written details regarding the make/type/date of last check, and any other information that may be relevant to the device.
Contact lenses:
Hard contact lenses need to be removed 2 weeks before your appointment and not warn again until you have attended your pre-operative assessment. This is because they may affect the sensitive readings of your cornea.
Soft contact lenses need to be removed 48 hours before your appointment.
If you are unsure as to what type of lenses you wear please contact your optician. Failure to follow these instructions may result in important tests not being able to be done and a delay in your surgery.
On your arrival:
Take the stairs or lift to the first floor of the eye hospital and you will find the pre-operative assessment service on Ward 55. Here a member of the clerical staff will greet you and check some of your personal information details with you. If you are a diabetic, please inform the Nurses in clinic on your arrival. It is advisable to bring a snack, and there are places where you can purchase food within the hospital as refreshment facilities are not always available in the clinic areas.
What happens at your pre-operative assessment
- Given information about your procedure and whether you will need a local or general anaesthetic for your operation
- Told about anything specific you need to do before your operation, such as fasting.
- Checked for any conditions or medications that might require you to take specific action prior to your operation
- You will have your eye sight, blood pressure, height, weight and urine checked, followed by an assessment of your general health. Other investigations may be preformed if needed, which may include a heart tracing or blood tests.
- Eye drops may be required to enlarge your pupil and these take about 20-30 minutes to take effect. These drops blur your vision for between 6-8 hours, although sometimes the effects may last longer. We advice that you do not drive yourself to the appointment and do not drive until your vision has returned to normal.
Given an opportunity to ask any questions - You will be given an information leaflet at your visit about your forthcoming surgery
Please note that your appointment time is an arrival time (arriving early will not mean you are seen earlier) and that you should be prepared to spend up to 4 hours in clinic and may be required to visit a different clinic to see a Doctor, extending your time spent in hospital.
If you have any questions prior to your pre assessment appointment please ring 0161 276 5227, Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5.00 pm.