Referral Pathways

Sunderland Eye Infirmary (Updated Jan 2023)

All patients should be referred before attending. 24/7 care is still available where clinically indicated.

Patients can self-refer by calling the 24/7 emergency number: 0191 5699952

A specialist will carry out a phone consultation and arrange face-to-face review if needed.

Clinician-Led Referrals

Optometrists and healthcare professionals should contact the on-call clinician if emergency department attendance is expected.

Emergency referrals (same day or within 48 hours):

• Call 0191 5699952 to discuss with the on-call team.
• Do not direct patients to attend until confirmed by ophthalmology.

Urgent referrals (within 2 weeks):

• Email (NHS.net only): seiapptsteam@nhs.net
• Call to notify of email: 0191 5699072
• Include patient’s telephone number on the referral.

Use fax if NHS.net email is unavailable.

Wet AMD Referrals

Use SEI Rapid Access form:

Download PDF

Email (NHS.net only): seiapptsteam@nhs.net

Alternative editable Word format:

Download Word Doc

Note: Patients will be triaged remotely and contacted within 2 weeks if urgent.

Newcastle Eye Centre, RVI – NuTH (Updated June 2023)

Clinical queries for existing patients (not new referrals):

Email: nuth.commoptometryqueries@nhs.net

Patient Appointment Queries

Call 0191 2825905

Post-op Cataract Queries

• Mon–Fri 8:30–17:00: 0191 9330235 / 0236
• Evenings/Weekends: 0191 2825420
• Email: nuth.ophpractitionerqueries@nhs.net

AMD Treatment Queries

• Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00: 0191 2826612
• Evenings/Weekends: 0191 2825420

Referrals for Wet AMD & CMO (Vein Occlusions)

Email: tnu-tr.ophthalmologyreferrals@nhs.net

Include: date/time of examination, patient’s contact number, and date of birth.

Referral Forms:

• Word Version
• PDF Version

Macula team aims to contact patients within 2 weeks after triage.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (Updated Dec 2024)

Darlington Memorial / Bishop Auckland / UHND

Referral pathway document:
View PDF

Further info on NHS-funded community services:

• Email Durham LOC: secretary@durhamloc.co.uk
• Or contact: naomi.smith@primaryeyecare.co.uk (Primary Eyecare Services)