Ophthalmology Department

Welcome to the Ophthalmology Department, SIVUH. The Ophthalmology Department comprises of an Outpatients Department, an Inpatient Department and Casualty Department. The Ophthalmology Department is the regional centre for the Cork and Kerry region and provides a service for this population.  The Ophthalmology Unit is located next door to Breastcheck Southern Unit, Infirmary Road, Cork.  There is a drop off point outside the main Ophthalmology door. 

Our Casualty Department operates on a referral only basis and is opened from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday. Outside of these hours a telephone service is available for referring practitioners. It is important to ensure the right patients are seen in the Casualty Department.  If you have an eye issue, please visit your GP or Optician prior to attending the Casualty Department. Please note the national Emergency Department rate of €100 will apply if you attend without having a referral from your GP or Optician, or attend without a valid medical card.

Our Outpatients Ophthalmology service facilitates 16,000 Outpatients per year approx and is located across two sites, including Ballincollig Primary Care and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.  Each site is identified on the top of your appointment letter.  Please note many healthcare professionals may see you at your appointment.  Please allow 3 hours for your visit.

The SIVUH has two designated Ophthalmology Theatres, which provides a service for both adult and paediatrics Ophthalmology patients. There is a year on year increase in demand for this service.

Activity in all of our Ophthalmology services (Outpatients, Casualty, Inpatients), continues to increase. If you have any queries relating to an Outpatient waiting list please contact the Central Appointments office on 021 - 4260990 or if you have any queries relating to your inpatient or Daycase waiting list, please contact 021 - 4926149. 

Do not attend (DNAs) are a constant challenge across the healthcare setting.  We would ask you to work with us to use our Ophthalmology resources as efficiently as possible. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please do so as soon as possible to allow another patient to access care by availing of your cancelled appointment.

Should you have the need to access our Ophthalmology services, we hope you have a positive experience.