What is a Virtual macular follow up clinic?
For most patients, your doctor can review your condition virtually
for example, without seeing you physically, by assessing your
visual acuity results and your diagnostic scans. This means when
you attend this clinic, trained staff complete your assessments and
diagnostic scans to assess your macular condition. You won’t need
to wait to see a doctor in person during these visits.
The virtual clinics will make your own appointment much quicker, as
you do not need to wait to see a doctor or have your eyes dilated.
You will still receive the same standards of care as you would if you
were seen face to face.
The virtual clinics enable the team to keep the service efficient and
safe, so more patients can be seen at the requested intervals and
treatment started within the recommended timescales.
Who attends these clinics?
• Patients who are being treated for Age related wet macular
degeneration.
• Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinal Vein Occlusions.
• Patients who have other macular conditions that require regular
monitoring.
What does a virtual macular appointment involve?
• Visual acuity assessment (sight test). Please bring your most
recent Optician’s report and glasses, to the next appointment
you attend (refraction).
• Colour photograph of the macular.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT scan).
Will I have drops to dilate my pupil?
No, if you attend a virtual clinic, you will not have drops to dilate your
pupils unless your pupils are too small to get a clear photograph/
scan of the back of your eye (retina), which is rare.
How will I receive my results from a virtual
macular follow up appointment?
The doctor will review your scans, visual acuity assessment and
notes on the day you attend or in the immediate days that follow.
They will write to you to advise the outcome, within a few weeks. If
you have any questions you would like the doctor to address, please
advise the nurse who is assessing your visual acuity on the day of
your virtual appointment.
If your macular is stable (inactive) you will receive another clinic
appointment to be monitored within the time frames requested in
your outcome letter. If your tests indicate you need treatment, an
appointment will be offered for an injection on a day or time that is
convenient for you. (Due to the delays with letters being sent out, the
department may contact you before you receive your outcome letter.
This may advise you that you need further treatment and book your
appointment.) The nursing team will answer any questions you may
have.
If you do not receive your results, please contact the Medical Retina
Unit on 01253 956739.
Will I see a doctor?
If you have been given a Virtual Macular appointment, you will not
routinely be able to see a doctor during this session. If you do feel
you need to see a doctor for a face-to-face consultation due to any
concerns, please contact the Medical Retina Unit on 01253 956739.
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Author Ophthalmology Department
Approved by Ophthalmic Governance Meeting
Date of Publication 29/08/2023
Review Date 01/08/2026
