First Visit
Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions by people visiting the ocular oncology department for the first time
A doctor or eye specialist has detected an abnormality in your eye and wants to exclude a tumour. Many of these are benign and include freckles, moles and haemorrhages which require no treatment. Some patients however will have a tumour in the eye whether benign or malignant and owing to their rarity these require treatment in a specialist centre such as Sheffield.
The reception to the eye clinic is on A floor of the Outpatient building directly opposite the multi-story car park. Please report to the reception desk on arrival. The receptionist will check your details and you will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area. A nurse will then check your vision so please bring your distance glasses if worn.
Dilating drops are often required and as these may blur your vision for several hours it is advisable that someone accompany you as you will not be able to drive. You will be seen by one of the doctors in the team who will examine both eyes and decide what tests you require to establish the diagnosis.
You will have a photograph of the eye and an ultrasound examination done. Along with a detailed clinical examination, one of the eye doctors will take a detailed history and examine your eye. You may also be required to have other tests. These tests may take several hours but we hope to give you the results the same day.
Following completion of the tests, the doctor will discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan with you, considering your views. After your consultation, your designated support sister will spend time with you to go over the diagnosis, and treatment plan and provide information and contact details. If you have a tumour requiring treatment you may be required to stay longer for further investigations. This may be carried out during your first visit. Your case will then be discussed at a multi-disciplinary team meeting as per national cancer guidelines. Your designated support sister will contact you to confirm your treatment plan. Your referring physician and GP will be kept informed at all stages.