There are seven Optometrists employed by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Optometrists are trained to examine the eyes and measure how they focus. The hospital Optometrists are specialists in measuring complex glasses prescriptions in adults and children. If you are found to be long-sighted, short-sighted or have astigmatism the hospital Optometrist will give you a prescription for glasses. You then take this prescription to your local Optometrist who will make the glasses for you.

The Optometrists work as part of a wide ranging multi-disciplinary team with the Consultant Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Ophthalmic technicians, nurses and support workers from the Kent Association for the Blind.

The Optometrists hold clinics at Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Medway Hospitals and aim to see patients in their most conveniently located clinic. However some specialist and adult clinics only run at Maidstone Hospital so this is not always possible.

In addition the Optometrists also provide a specialist contact lens service at Maidstone Hospital and an extensive low visual aid service loaning magnifiers to people diagnosed with a visual impairment at the Kent Association for the Blind.