Important Update: Ophthalmology Out-of-Hours service for MK from 1st June 2025
30 May 2025
Ophthalmology Out of Hours Service
We are currently in the process of developing a BLMK-wide Out-of-Hours (OOH) service, which will involve shared cover across the three sites.
In the meantime, please note the following important interim update regarding the Ophthalmology OOH service, effective from 1st June 2025:

New OOH Service Provider
From this date, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be providing the OOH ophthalmology service.
Referral Pathway for Urgent Ophthalmology Cases
If a patient presents in an emergency setting (ED or Urgent Care Centre) or opticians/optometry services and requires urgent ophthalmology input, please follow the steps below:
- Assess the patient in your emergency setting/opticians
- If ophthalmology input is required, contact the Ophthalmology OOH service via the Luton & Dunstable Hospital switchboard on 01582 491166
- A clinician from the ophthalmology team will assess the case and advise whether the patient should be transferred to Luton & Dunstable ED for further ophthalmology review.

Stoke Mandeville Hospital will no longer be covering the ophthalmology OOH service as of 1st June 2025.
We will update in due course with updates on the longer-term arrangements for this service.
We appreciate your attention to this change and your cooperation in ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care.
If there are any queries, please contact Jonathan Goodman, Operational Manager Head & Neck, at Jonathan.Goodman@mkuhs.nhs.uk.
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |
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