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A Guide for Patients Eye care services in Essex There is an excellent range of eye-care services accessible to people residing in and around Essex, ranging from NHS or private hospital care, to high street opticians. This page summarises some of the services available. Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) ECLOs have lots of knowledge on eye conditions and on helpful local and national services. They provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by sight loss, free of charge. They can advise on living with sight loss, management and treatment of eye conditions, visual aids, equipment and technology, availability of benefits and concessions, education and employment, certification and registration and other support and services that might be appropriate. By offering dedicated individual care, ECLOs can talk to you about your worries and give you advice on how to lessen the impact your eye condition may have on your life. ECLOs act as an important bridge between health and social services and are central to the support and wellbeing of patients in eye clinics. They also help prevent avoidable sight loss, by talking through treatment and helping people to understand their medication if necessary. The Southend ECLO is Tracey Meddle, who is employed by Southend-in-Sight, a local sight loss charity. Email: tracey@southendinsight.co.uk Tel: 01702 342131 The Orsett/Basildon ECLO is Sarah Jane Piper, who is employed by the charity BASIS. Email: Sarah-jane.piper@nhs.net Tel: 01268 522817 The Chelmsford ECLO is Holly Muncey, who is employed by the RNIB. Email: mse.eclomidsouthessex@nhs.net Tel: 07901 513416 Local charities BASIS is a sight loss charity providing help for patients with visual impairment in South Essex. Tel: 01268 522817 Email: admin@basissouthessex.org.uk Southend in Sight is a sight loss charity for Southend, providing help for patients with visual impairment. Tel: 01702 342131 Email: info@southendinsight.org.uk High street opticians offering glaucoma services Goldsmith Webb offers Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT) which is a procedure that measures intraocular pressure (IOP), Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) analysis and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) which is a non-invasive imaging technique used to create cross-sectional images of the eye. Several Goldsmith Webb stores have optometrists with higher qualifications in glaucoma and offer emergency appointments. Goldsmith Webb has stores in multiple locations, including: Bodys The Opticians 25 Queens Road, Southend-on-Sea Essex, SS1 1LT Tel: 01702 354553 Goldsmith Webb 8 Grover Walk Corringham SS17 7LY Tel: 01375 677577 Goldsmith Webb 37-43 Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea Essex, SS9 2BX Tel: 01702 710031 Humfrey Eye Care offers HVF, OCT services and emergency appointments. Humfrey Eye Care is run by Stuart Humfrey. He is an experienced optometrist with a higher qualification in glaucoma. 223 London Road Hadleigh Essex SS7 2RD Tel: 01702 599068 Euin Steele offers GAT, HVF and OCT services. Euin Steele has optometrists with higher qualifications in glaucoma and offers emergency appointments. 58 Orsett Road Grays Essex RM17 5EH Tel: 01375 37300 Karen Castle offers GAT, HVF and OCT services. 78 Hart Road, Thundersley, Essex, SS7 3PF Tel: 01268 793538 Forbes Opticians offers GAT, HVF and OCT services. Forbes Opticians has optometrists with higher qualifications in glaucoma and offers emergency appointments. 198 London Rd Hadleigh, Benfleet Essex SS7 2PD Tel: 01702 555345 James Bryan Opticians offers GAT, HVF and OCT services. James Bryan Opticians has optometrists with higher qualifications in glaucoma and offers emergency appointments. 33 The Meadows Shopping Centre Chelmsford Essex CM2 6FD Tel: 01245 357766 Emergency eye care If you have an emergency condition you can contact your GP, a local optometrist offering emergency appointments on the high street (self refer via www.primaryeyecare.co.uk , or contact one of the optometry practices on this page) or attend your local hospital Accident and Emergency Department. If you want private care, you are welcome to contact Mr Baneke’s private secretary to check whether he has any last-minute availability. The Mid and South Essex hospitals with an eye casualty department (referral is via GP, main A&E or a local optometrist) are: Southend University Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea, SSO 0RY Broomfield Hospital, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, CM1 7ET Queens Hospital, Rom Valley Way, Romford, RM7 0AG For London patients: Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD (virtual assessment and phone triage service available via https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/ae ) Essex Local Optical Committee Essex LOC is funded by Ophthalmic Contractors in the Essex area and acts on behalf of the Contractors, Performers, and others registered with the GOC in dealing with the NHS.

RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS Scroll Down 01. Eye. 2024. Hussain A, Baneke A. Comment on: "Effect of trabeculectomy on the rate of progression of visual field damage." Read All 03. Eye. 2022. Jayaram H, Baneke AJ, et al. Managing risk in the face of adversity: design and outcomes of rapid glaucoma assessment clinics during a pandemic recovery. Read All 05. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019. Alaghband P, Baneke AJ, Galvis E, Madekurozwa M, Chu B, Stanford M, Overby D, Lim KS. Aqueous Humor Dynamics in Uveitic Eyes. Read All 07. Cur Eye Res. 2016. Baneke AJ, Lim KS, Stanford M. T he pathogenesis of raised intraocular pressure in uveitis. Read All 09. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2012 Mar;10(2):92-6. Winner of the Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease “First Look – Student Research” Best accepted paper for 2012. Baneke A. Review: Targeting trachoma: Strategies to reduce the leading infectious cause of blindness. Read All 11. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. March 2014. Baneke A. The junior doctor, an untapped paediatric teaching resource? Read All 02. Eye. 2023. Nair A, Baneke A. Comment on: "Could the AREDS formula benefit patients with glaucoma?" Read All 04. Eye (Lond). 2019. Baneke AJ, Aubry J, Viswanathan AC, Plant GT. The role of intracranial pressure in glaucoma and therapeutic implications. Read All 06. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2018. Baneke AJ, Williams KM, Mahroo OA, Mohamed M, Hammond CJ. A twin study of cilioretinal arteries, tilted discs, and situs inversus. Read All 08. Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2020. Baneke AJ, Vakros G, Sharma V, Wong SC. Bleb-related endophthalmitis after use of the invitrea injection guide. Read All 10. Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2019. Radotra A, Baneke A, Paul B. Mydriasis secondary to use of glycopyrrolate cream. Read All

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Contact Us Contact us to arrange a private consultation: 07398 997 592 / 01702 667 819 info@essexeyesurgery.co.uk NHS referrals via your GP or optician Southend University Hospital 01702 435 555 Consulting rooms: Southend Private Hospital 15-17 Fairfax Drive Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 9AG 01702 667 819 Orsett Hospital, Rowley Road, Orsett, Grays RM16 3EU 01268 524 900

Mr Alex Baneke Mr Baneke is an experienced consultant ophthalmic surgeon, specialising in cataract and glaucoma surgery. He completed his medical studies at Oxford University and University College London, followed by extensive ophthalmic specialty training, with the majority of his 7-year program at the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital. During his 18-month fellowship in surgical glaucoma at Moorfields, Mr Baneke honed his skills in managing both routine and complex cases of glaucoma and cataracts. With a strong background in research, including a fellowship in glaucoma at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, Mr Baneke has contributed to internationally recognised publications. He is committed to advancing the field, running fellowships at Southend and Orsett hospitals, where he trains the next generation of eye surgeons in cataract and glaucoma surgery. Outside of his professional life, Mr Baneke enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. To relax, he enjoys a good book and bike rides through the scenic Essex countryside. Mr Alex Baneke's world-class experience underpins the compassionate service he offers to his patients. RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS SERVICES FOR GLAUCOMA SERVICES FOR CATARACTS CONTACT TO BOOK

A Guide for Patients Understanding Glaucoma: The different types Glaucoma is a complex eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not properly managed. There are several types of glaucoma, each with its own characteristics and treatment options. This guide will help you understand the various forms of glaucoma and what they mean for your eye health. Glaucoma is a manageable condition with early detection and appropriate treatment. By lowering eye pressure through eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery, it’s possible to slow the progression of the disease and protect your vision. Always discuss with your eye specialist which treatment options are best suited for your specific needs. A Guide: Understanding the different types of glaucoma Glaucoma comes in various forms, each requiring a tailored approach to treatment. Whether you have Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma, Normal Tension Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension, or secondary glaucoma, managing eye pressure is key to protecting your vision. Your eye specialist will guide you through the best treatment options based on your specific type of glaucoma and overall eye health. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. In POAG, the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) is higher than normal, typically above 21-24mmHg. This increased pressure leads to damage to the optic nerve, known as "cupping," which can cause a gradual loss of peripheral vision. In POAG, the drainage angle of the eye is open, which can be confirmed through a simple test called gonioscopy, where a lens with a small mirror is placed on the eye. The main issue in POAG is that fluid drainage from the eye’s anterior chamber is impaired due to a blockage in the drainage channels (trabecular meshwork). You can think of it like a bath where the plug is clear, but there’s a blockage further down the pipe that causes the water to rise. Treatment for POAG usually begins with eye drops or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to lower eye pressure. If these treatments aren’t sufficient, surgery may be necessary. You can find more detailed information about surgical options in the Treatment section of this website. Read More about Surgical Treatment and Laser Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG) In Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG), the drainage angle is closed, leading to increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage. This type of glaucoma can be identified using gonioscopy. In PACG, the iris blocks the trabecular meshwork, preventing fluid from draining properly and causing a rise in eye pressure. Treatment for PACG often starts with eye drops, Yag Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (PI), or cataract surgery. Yag PI involves creating a small hole in the iris to allow fluid to bypass the blockage, which helps open up the drainage angle. Cataract surgery can also help by replacing the natural lens with a thinner artificial lens, providing more space for fluid to drain. In some cases, further surgery may be required if these treatments don’t adequately control the disease. PACG can develop slowly or suddenly. If it occurs suddenly, it’s known as Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma (AACG). Symptoms of AACG include severe headache, eye pain, nausea, seeing halos around lights, blurred vision, and a red eye. This is an eye emergency, and if you experience these symptoms, you should go to A&E or an Eye Casualty immediately. Eye Casualties are available at Southend University Hospital and Broomfield Hospital, but you will need a referral from the main A&E or an emergency optician. Some patients may have narrow drainage angles without developing glaucoma. These patients may be classified as having Primary Angle Closure (PAC) if the pressure is raised without optic nerve damage, or Primary Angle Closure Suspects (PACS) if the angle is narrow but the pressure is normal. Treatment is recommended for PAC, while patients with PACS can often be monitored by their optician annually, as the risk of progressing to glaucoma is low. Read More about Cataract Surgery Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG) In Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG), the pressure inside the eye is within the normal range (below 21mmHg), but there is still optic nerve damage and corresponding visual field loss. The drainage angle is open, as confirmed by gonioscopy. In NTG, factors other than eye pressure, such as blood supply to the optic nerve, mitochondrial function (how well the cell’s energy production parts work), and the pressure of the fluid surrounding the brain and optic nerve, may contribute to optic nerve damage. However, the only proven treatment for reducing the risk of vision loss in NTG is lowering eye pressure. Treatment for NTG typically starts with eye drops, though SLT (laser) may also be tried. However, SLT is often less effective in NTG because it works best when eye pressure is initially raised. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. There is ongoing research into using oral nicotinamide to improve mitochondrial function, which may emerge as a new treatment for NTG. Read More about Eye Drops Ocular Hypertension (OHT) Ocular Hypertension (OHT) is a condition where the pressure inside the eye is elevated (above 21-24mmHg) without any signs of optic nerve damage or visual field defects. About 1 in 10 patients with OHT will develop glaucoma over a 5-year period, but treatment can reduce this risk to 1 in 20. In OHT, the drainage angle is open, but there may be a blockage in the drainage channels that prevents fluid from leaving the eye properly. Treatment for OHT is not always necessary, as not all patients will go on to develop glaucoma. The decision to treat is based on the patient’s risk factors and preferences. If treatment is recommended, it usually starts with eye drops or SLT (laser). Surgery is generally avoided in OHT unless the patient is at high risk of vision loss. Read More about Laser Secondary Glaucomas Secondary glaucoma occurs when increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage result from another eye condition or surgery. Conditions that can lead to secondary glaucoma include: Vitreoretinal surgery (e.g, for retinal detachment) Complicated cataract surgery Corneal graft surgery Use of steroid eye drops Uveitis (inflammatory eye disease) Uncontrolled diabetic eye disease (neovascular glaucoma) Eye trauma or injury Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS) In secondary glaucoma, the drainage angle may be open or closed, depending on the cause. Treatment will vary based on the underlying condition and may include eye drops, laser therapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Read More GLAUCOMA UK Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) and Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS) Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) involves the abnormal accumulation of protein deposits in the body, including the eyes. In some cases, these deposits block the trabecular meshwork, leading to increased eye pressure. Patients with PXF may experience faster disease progression, and surgery can be more challenging. Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS) occurs when the lens inside the eye rubs against the iris, causing pigment to shed and potentially block the trabecular meshwork. Not all patients with PXF or PDS develop glaucoma, but if pressure increases, treatment options are similar to those for open-angle glaucoma. PDS patients should avoid high-impact sports, as these can increase pigment shedding. Activities like cycling and swimming are generally safer. Yag Laser Iridotomy may be offered to PDS patients who haven’t developed high eye pressure, as it might reduce the risk of raised pressure. However, once pressure is elevated, Yag Laser Iridotomy is less likely to help. Read More about Yag Laser MORE ABOUT GLAUCOMA AVAILABLE TREATMENTS CONTACT TO BOOK

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