Eye Emergencies

For eye emergencies, Sunderland Eye Infirmary provides round the clock access.

What is an “Eye Emergency”?

Chemical liquids splashed in the eye.
An injury to the eye in which the eye ball or lids are lacerated or objects enter the eye, such as sharp instruments or metal.
A suddenly blind and painful eye which causes sickness and general feeling of being unwell.
After an eye operation, a suddenly painful, red, swollen eye in which the vision has unexpectedly deteriorated.
Patients following corneal graft surgery in which there is no pain, but for whom vision has rapidly deteriorated.
Shadows or ‘curtaining’ in the field of vision which is painless but may be associated with flashing lights or an increase in seeing black specks or blobs (floaters).
A red and painful eye associated with wearing contact lenses.
Very painful eyes.
Sudden loss of vision in one eye with no other symptoms. If both eyes are affected, call 999 as this may be a stroke.

The nearest 24/7 eye hospital to Durham is: Sunderland Eye Infirmary

This is not like a normal accident and emergency department in that you need to phone them first on TEL: 0191 569 9952

The hospital address is: Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, SR2 9HP Google Maps

Darlington Memorial Hospital – TEL: 01325 743472
Middlesbrough – James Cook University Hospital – TEL: 01642 85409
Newcastle – Royal Victoria Infirmary – Walk in’s only, 8.15am – 4.30pm Monday-Friday, 9am – 12:30pm Saturday, Closed Sunday & Bank Holidays. RVI Website