We offer a glasses dispensing service to all Optometry and Ophthalmology patients. This service is provided by qualified dispensing opticians who are experienced in dispensing complex glasses.
Complex dispensing situations include:
- High prescriptions,
- Paediatric aphakia
- Anisometropia
- Patients with unique facial/cranial characteristics
- Patients with autism or learning disabilities
- Ptosis prop glasses
- Glare and photophobia management
- Glasses mounted telescopes
Our pricing policy has been structured to avoid penalising patients for having high or complex prescriptions. Any profit that is made goes directly back into patient care.
Whilst you can have your hospital glasses prescription made up by our dispensing team, you are also welcome to take your prescription and purchase your spectacles at any optician’s practice.
Do I need to make an appointment with this service?
Appointments are not necessary as we operate a drop-in clinic on weekday mornings. Appointments can still be made by calling 0113 2064742 or 2066324.
The clinic is open weekday mornings: 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Please note the following:
- The Dispensing service can not provide a sight test and we can not order glasses without a valid prescription
- Payment is by card only and taken upon ordering. – We are unable to accept GOS optical vouchers issued by community/primary care Opticians
- While we shall endeavour to see anyone who visits, we must prioritise eye clinic patients with appointments and can not guarantee that you’ll be seen immediately
- The dispensing service is operated by a small number of staff and the drop-in clinic may not be available in cases of staff sickness/leave
We also accept tertiary referrals from other hospitals for complex dispensing.
Can staff members get glasses from the Eye Clinic?
We would love to invite colleagues to order their glasses from the eye clinic and receive a 20% discount! We carry a large range of frames from £25 for budget frames through to hand made Oliver Goldsmith designer frames. We can supply all types of lenses including freeform varifocals and polarizing sunglasses.
Payment is by card only upon ordering and you must bring a valid written glasses prescription. The dispensing service can not test your eyes.
Where are you?
The Eye Clinic is located in The Eye Clinic, Gledhow Wing Level 4, St James’ University Hospital.
If you have an appointment, please report to the eye clinic reception.
You can directly access the Dispensing clinic. It is located near the Eye clinic’s exit on Gledhow wing level 4. If you press the buzzer to the left of the eye clinic’s exit door, you will be let in. The door is on your right as you exit the lifts.
Waiting times
You should normally be seen within 20 minutes of your appointment and most appointments take less than 30 minutes.
Most glasses are ready for collection after 2 weeks but please be aware that complex jobs often take 8 weeks to complete.
Help with the cost of glasses
You may get help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses from the hospital. Please consult the NHS guidance to see if you are eligible: There is more information on the NHS optical voucher values web page
Contact us
You can ring us on 0113 2064742 or 2066324 or email us at [email protected]