Ophthalmology

The Ophthalmology Service at Macclesfield District General Hospital provides comprehensive outpatient, diagnostic and surgical care for patients with a wide range of eye conditions. Our specialist team is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care using modern diagnostic technology and evidence-based treatments.

We provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of eye diseases and disorders affecting vision, eye health and ocular function. Services are delivered across Macclesfield District General Hospital and our newly refurbished Diagnostic Centre in Congleton, ensuring patients have access to timely care closer to home.

Our Services

The department provides assessment and treatment for a wide range of ophthalmic conditions, including:

• General ophthalmology
• Cataract assessment and surgery
• Glaucoma
• Medical retina services, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic eye disease
• Hydroxychloroquine surveillance
• Corneal and external eye disease
• Eyelid disorders and oculoplastic conditions
• Lacrimal disorders
• Metabolic eye disease
• Paediatric ophthalmology
• Squint assessment and management
• Minor operative procedures
• Nurse-led and allied health professional-led clinics

Diagnostic Centre, Congleton

Our newly refurbished Diagnostic Centre in Congleton plays a key role in the delivery of ophthalmology services. Patients requiring monitoring for conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eye disease and hydroxychloroquine surveillance attend dedicated diagnostic appointments where advanced imaging and specialist investigations are undertaken.

Clinical information and scans are reviewed remotely by ophthalmology clinicians, allowing timely assessment and follow-up planning. This innovative model of care helps ensure patients receive appropriate monitoring and treatment without unnecessary delays, reducing the risk of extended follow-up intervals and providing an effective safety-netting process for patients with long-term eye conditions.

Surgical Services

Many ophthalmic procedures are performed as day-case surgery under local anaesthetic, enabling patients to return home on the same day. Our team provides comprehensive pre-operative assessment and post-operative follow-up to support the best possible outcomes.

Patients requiring highly specialised services, such as vitreoretinal surgery, complex paediatric ophthalmology or specialist oculoplastic procedures, may be referred to regional tertiary centres where appropriate.

Urgent Eye Care

Urgent ophthalmology referrals are accepted during normal working hours for patients requiring rapid assessment of eye conditions, including sudden changes in vision, eye injuries and acute eye disease.

Patients with urgent eye problems should seek advice from their GP, community optometrist or NHS 111, who can direct them to the most appropriate service.

Urgent eye care services are available at Macclesfield District General Hospital between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, specialist ophthalmology cover is provided through the Eye Department at Leighton Hospital, Crewe, which accepts patients requiring immediate ophthalmic assessment and treatment.