Ophthalmology Department

Welcome to the Ophthalmology Department, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, SIVUH. The Ophthalmology Department comprises of a Casualty Department (24hour service,) an Outpatients Department and an Inpatient Department. The Ophthalmology Department is the regional centre for the Cork Kerry region and provides a service for this population. The Ophthalmology Department is located next to the BreastCheck Southern Unit (redbrick building,) Infirmary Road, Cork.

Casualty Department

Serious eye conditions - Chemical Injuries/ Penetrating Eye Injuries / Bleeding conditions require medical attention asap:                                                                          

08 00hrs to 20 00hrs Mon to Fri (excluding bank holidays) & 08 00hrs to 14 00hrs Sat:  Please present to the reception desk in the Opthalmology unit, Infirmary Road, pictured above.

Outside of the above hours (including bank holidays): Please present to the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, main reception desk where you will be attended to.

All other eye issues:

If you have an eye issue (excluding the above listed serious eye conditions) please visit your GP or Optician prior to attending the department. You can also phone the triage team on (021-4260903) to arrange an appointment. The casualty department operates on a referral only basis to ensure the right patient is seen in the department at the right time.

Please note a national emergency department rate of €100 will apply if you attend without having a referral letter/ communication from your GP or Optician or without having a valid medical card.

Outpatient Department (OPD)

The OPD service facilitates approx.16,000 patients a year. The OPD services are located in two sites, the SIVUH and the Ballincollig Primary Centre. The site you will be attending is identified at the top of your appointment letter. We would ask that you arrive no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Please note a number of healthcare professionals may see at your appointment. Please allow three hours for your visit.

Inpatient Department

The SIVUH has two Ophthalmology theatres which provides a service for both adult and paediatric patients.

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 would greatly appreciate your feedback.  Patient experience surveys are available in the department. We hope you have a positive experience.