Service changes arising from the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion
Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion fully reopens on 25 June 2025.
Important update regarding ophthalmology services in Lothian.
In October 2024, the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion was closed to all staff and patients, to enable urgent repairs to be carried out.
These have now been completed, and the building is currently being prepared to resume normal clinical service.
All Clinical Ophthalmology services that were relocated during the building’s temporary closure, will move back and be available for patients.
The PAEP will fully reopen for patients from Wednesday 25 June 2025. Some patients may be seen at clinics in the building from Monday 23 June 2025.
All patients will have been and will continue to be notified of the location of their appointment by letter, text or both.
Following patient feedback, an element of the macular service (including some IVT) will now also be available for patients within the East Lothian Community Hospital, in addition to the service provided at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.
Referring to Ophthalmology
The processes for referring remains unchanged.
– SCI Gateway referrals as at present.
– The Emergency triage phone-line for patients who need to be seen within 72 hours will remain 0131 536 3751 (Edinburgh) and 01506 524 286 (SJH, West Lothian).
Patient enquiries
Patients with any queries such as enquiring about their appointment should contact the waiting list office on 0131 537 1340 (+option 2)
More information about the repairs, and the closure of the Eye Pavilion can be found here:
https://www.nhslothian.scot/goingtohospital/the-princess-alexandra-eye-pavilion/
Who to refer:
Please see Lothian GP and optometry ophthalmology referral pathway.
Urgency of the condition for details on how soon patients should receive an appointment.
Please see condition specific information for descriptions and management of many common ophthalmological conditions.
Patients who present with a problem with their only seeing eye should be advised to see an optician/ophthalmologist for review.
Who not to refer:
Amaurosis fugax – please refer to the neurovascular clinic. Please assess vascular risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) – if there are no visual symptoms please discuss with the rheumatology department.
Some routine conditions can be managed in primary care (GP and optometrists) e.g. conjunctivitis, abrasions, allergy and dry eyes. Additionally, herpes zoster ophthalmicus without eye involvement can often be managed in primary care. Consider getting an assessment by an experienced optometrist. Optometrists can provide appointments for patients as part of the General Ophthalmic Services Contract and are required to see emergency patients in a timely manner.
How to refer:
We require a referral letter for EVERY patient.
The preferred referral process is via SCI Gateway. If sending/forwarding a referral via SCI gateway please include past medical history, allergies and medications
If you do not have access to fax or SCI Gateway e.g. if you have arranged an appointment out of hours please send a written referral letter with the patient to bring to their appointment.
Only if SCI Gateway is unavailable should a letter be typed or handwritten. Please write legibly and include your examination findings.
If you have arranged an appointment in the acute referral clinic and you are referring from within another hospital in Lothian please use TRAK to type the referral letter.
