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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.

Making an appointment with an Optometrist

If you are seeing an Ophthalmic Practitioner within Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and they feel you would benefit from an assessment with the Hospital Optometry service they refer you for this.

Patient information leaflets

Contact us

Eye Ear and Mouth Unit
Maidstone Hospital
Hermitage Lane
Maidstone, ME16 9QQ

Clinics Monday – Friday
Enquiries – 01622 226283

Eye Unit, Out patient area Zone 1, Level 0
Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road
Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4QJ

Clinics Tuesday and Wednesday
Enquires – 01622 226283

Eye Unit, Blue Zone, Level 1
Medway Maritime Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham, ME7 5NY

Clinics Wednesday
Enquires – 01622 228218

Kent Association for the Blind
72 College Road
Maidstone
Kent, ME15 6SJ

Clinics – Monday
Telephone – 01622 358995

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