We have heard so much information about Covid-19, but many people still have a lot of questions.
TedMed Curator, Jay Walker, asks 100 questions about COVID-19 to Peter Piot, the Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
This Q&A is an excellent resource for easy to understand information on COVID-19.
You can read the Q&A by clicking here.
The Sight for Life Foundation’s objectives are to preserve and enhance vision throughout life. The Foundation is a national charity with deductible gift recipient status.
Sight for Life Training Lab
2nd Floor, North Block
Sydney Eye Hospital
8 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
PH: (02) 9234 1999
Monday to Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm
© Sight For Life Foundation 2023. All rights reserved.
You’re only either a 2 minute walk or a 5 minute walk away
The training lab is a two minute walk from Martin Place train station and a five minute walk from St James train station. You can easily plan your trip via the button below.
There is also a direct line from the airport to St James Station with a travel time of around 15 minutes.
There is street parking available at the rear of the hospital on Hospital Road
Located under the hospital is Point Parking, which is accessible on Hospital Road. The park house is open weekdays from 6:30am – 9:30pm, Saturdays from 8:00am – 8:00pm and on Sunday from 9:00am – 6:00pm. For further information, please visit their website.
A short walk away is the Wilson Domain Car Park. For further information, please visit their website.
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights are essential to make sure that wherever and whenever care is provided it is of high quality and is safe.
The Charter recognises that people receiving care and people providing care all have important parts to play in achieving healthcare rights.
The Charter allows patients, consumers, families, carers and services providing health care to share an understanding of the rights of people receiving health care. This helps everyone to work together towards a safe and high quality health system. A genuine partnership between patients, consumers and providers is important so that everyone achieves the best possible outcomes.
These three principles describe how this Charter applies in the Australian health system.
The Sight Foundation theatre is committed to providing the best possible patient care. As a patient you have certain rights and responsibilities. This is outlined in the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.
For further information please visit: www.safetyandquality.gov.au
ACCESS
Right: I have a right to health care.
Meaning: I can access services to address my healthcare needs.
SAFETY
Right: I have a right to receive safe and high quality care.
Meaning: I receive safe and high quality health services, provided with professional care, skill and competence.
RESPECT
Right: I have a right to be shown respect, dignity and consideration.
Meaning: The care provided shows respect to me and my culture, beliefs, values and personal characteristics.
COMMUNICATION
Right: I have a right to be informed about services, treatment, options and costs in a clear and open way.
Meaning: I receive open, timely and appropriate communication about my health care in a way I can understand.
PARTICIPATION
Right: I have a right to be included in decisions and choices about my care.
Meaning: I may join in making decisions and choices about my care and about health service planning.
PRIVACY
Right: I have a right to privacy and confidentiality of my personal information.
Meaning: My personal privacy is maintained and proper handling of my personal health and other information is assured.
COMMENT
Right: I have a right to comment on my care and to have my concerns addressed.
Meaning: I can comment on or complain about my care and have my concerns dealt with properly and promptly
The Sight Foundation Theatre has appointed a Privacy Officer to ensure that your information is collected, stored and used in compliance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and Privacy Amendment Act 2012.
The Sight for Life Foundation Theatre performs cataract surgery, glaucoma procedures including trabeculectomy, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)), Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) procedures, pterygiums, corneal transplants and oculoplastics. Contact your surgeon to discuss what operation is appropriate for you.
Equipped with the latest technology, highest standard of instrumentation and clinical staff, the Sight Foundation Theatre truly is a centre of ophthalmic excellence.
We aim to maintain the highest levels of safety and quality in providing care to our patients in a patient centred, caring, safe and supportive environment
Our centre adheres to all statutory, legislative, relevant body guidelines and Australian Standards. To achieve a high standard of care we work together as a team under the management of the Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Committee and Director of Nursing within the following functions
Sight Foundation Theatre has a well developed safety and emergency procedure in which each staff member has a key role. In the unlikely event of an emergency, remain where you are until a staff member arrives to assist you.
A medical record will be kept of your admission and treatment. This will be confidential with access being limited only to the healthcare professionals directly involved in your treatment. This record will remain the property of the hospital. The contents of your medical record will be divulged only with your written consent, or where required by law. You may request to review your medical record at any time.
The doctor who admits you is responsible for your medical care while you are in hospital. Any questions that you have regarding your treatment should be directed to him or her.
In accordance with the Department of Health Policy, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the hospital campus. It is recommended that you do not smoke before and after your procedure.
A comprehensive program to monitor, assess and improve the quality of patient care.
Peer review activities are conducted by the Medical Advisory Committee to ensure that the safest possible care is provided to our patients.
As part of this process we publish information in a newsletter about clinical performance, health outcomes and patient satisfaction. This information is also benchmarked against national standards, where applicable.
Through the use of a detailed ophthalmic clinical pathway our patients receive specialised ophthalmic care. We would very much like to hear our patient’s views that we could use to improve our service.
The Sight Foundation theatre uses an integrated approach to identify, assess, analyse, evaluate, treat, measure, monitor and control the complex array of risks involved in health care. We take a proactive approach, placing the emphasis on risk prevention to provide the safest possible environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Our program consists of education for all stakeholders including auditing of staff practices, infection prevention measures, surveillance, monitoring and investigation of health care associated infections.
Our management and staff make every effort to ensure the environment is safe and comfortable for all who visit our Centre. Infective agents may be transmitted by several routes. If you have a current illness or a non-healing/ed wound, this has the potential to adversely affect your surgical outcome. In such a situation, a clearance may be required from your doctor and any wounds or breaches of skin integrity, e.g. ulcers, will need to be covered by an occlusive dressing.
We employ dedicated specialist clinical staff members to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care possible in a comfortable and safe environment.
The Sight Foundation theatre undertakes planned and regular biomedical testing and maintenance of its equipment and plant. Audits are conducted on a frequent basis to ensure the environment is safe for all who visit the facility.
MENTAL HEALTH
Staff are alert to the risk of deterioration in mental state, are able to recognise deterioration in a person’s mental state, initiate response, and escalate care. The response to deterioration in a person’s mental state is person-centred and culturally competent. Decision making is shared. Family and carers are involved in accordance with the person’s expressed wishes. Appropriate risk management strategies are implemented.
COMPREHENSIVE CARE
“We” includes you and your family in the process and strive to provide the best outcome for all.
Our robust pre admission screening and clinical alert system highlight patient care processes throughout your admission. We identify your individual needs thus prevent harm related to falls, pressure injuries, nutrition, mental health, cognitive impairment.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us prior to your admission to discuss your or your loved ones needs.
Sometimes it is difficult to take in all the information about your procedure, so below is some information that may help with your recovery and general health.
At the time of your initial presentation for your procedure at the Sight Foundation Theatre, our staff members will confirm your name, birth date and doctor. Do not be alarmed if at each stage of your care our staff members confirm your name, birth date, proposed procedure and side. These patient identification checking procedures are for your protection, however please note that our staff are aware of who you are but must ensure the identification procedures are carried out.
Hand hygiene is an essential key strategy in the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections. Good hand hygiene practice also protects the Sight Foundation Theatre’s workforce and our consumers. Hand hygiene education and audits are conducted at the Sight Foundation Theatre and our patients are provided with an information sheet on hand hygiene at the time of discharge. If you require any information on hand hygiene please ask one of our clinical staff.
Almost every patient at the Sight Foundation Theatre receives medication during their day surgery stay. It’s very important to us to ensure that all patients receive the most appropriate medications accurately and safely, and to prevent mistakes in medication management. The Medical Advisory Committee reviews our medication systems and implements improvements as required to ensure medication safety.
Many drugs can affect your balance and judgment. For this reason, we will assess your likelihood of a fall post procedure and require you to have a carer with you after your procedure.
If you have a history of falls, or you are highlighted as a falls risk, we may conduct a further assessment and delay your discharge to minimise the risk of a fall after you leave our facility.
Please ensure that someone stays with you for 24 hours after your procedure. If you have a patch over one eye postoperatively it will be more difficult for you to judge distances. Vision is very important for your balance and reduced vision increases your risk of falling.
Clinical handover refers to the transfer of professional responsibility and accountability for some or all aspects of care for patients when they are transferred from one person to another. The clinical leaders and senior managers of the Sight Foundation Theatre have implemented systems for the effective and structured clinical handover of our patients. The doctors and nurses looking after you during your episode of care will use these systems to ensure that you are safe and well cared for through the different points of care whilst at the Sight Foundation Theatre.
Our patients and carers are encouraged to be involved in the clinical handover process particularly when they are discharged to go home. Should you have any concerns about the clinical handover process clinical staff must be informed.
Even though your time with us is limited and your procedure will be short in duration, we would like to provide you with some information about pressure injuries and how they can occur.
Skin Integrity
Promoted by good nutrition and activity, good hygiene, being aware of your surroundings and keeping your skin from becoming dry and chaffed.
Pressure Injuries
Caused by unrelieved pressure that damages the skin and underlying tissue. They usually occur over a bony prominence as a result of pressure, shear, friction, or a combination of these factors. If you are unable to move freely, have limited control of bladder or bowel, poor nutrition or lowered mental awareness, these may increase your possibility of developing pressure defects.
On admission we will assess your skin and, if necessary, provide you with relevant positioning aids to prevent these from occurring whilst in our care.
The Sight Foundation Theatre has established and maintained systems for recognising and responding to clinical deterioration in our patients. The patient centred care pathways and staff emergency training will therefore ensure that our patients’ needs are met and they are safe during their episode of care.
However, in the unlikely event that a patient or a carer should notice any sign/ symptom of clinical deterioration, clinical staff must be advised of any concern which may be relevant to the patient’s condition.
If you have an Advance Care Plan, please bring a copy with you for our records.
An Advance Care Plan is a legal document that enables you to give instructions about your health care, including special health matters, when you are no longer able to make a decision for yourself. An Advance Care Plan allows you to make specific directions about the care you will want and under what circumstances. The directions in an advance care plan can be very detailed, or they can be broad, outlining your beliefs and values about end of life matters.
If you have one of these in place, please bring a copy with you. If you are interested in obtaining an Advance Care Plan, you can buy this form from a post office or newsagency.
This can be an anxious time for you, so we would like to reassure patients that they are in good hands during this time
Anaesthetists in Australia are specialised doctors who are highly trained in administering anaesthesia, as well as pain control, resuscitation and managing any medical emergency.
Your anaesthetist will see you before your procedure, allowing you the opportunity to discuss any concerns. It is important that you disclose everything that you think is relevant and follow your medical and fasting instructions. Your anaesthetist will monitor you during the procedure and after surgery is finished to ensure a smooth and trouble-free recovery.
Developments in new surgical techniques combined with modern anaesthesia result in a more rapid patient recovery – making day surgery preferable to overnight hospitalisation. The following is an explanation of the various options of anaesthesia that may be used in day surgery.
Eye drops that numb the surface of the eye may be used. Sedative drugs may or may not be administered according to need. The patient is awake and recovery is quick.
A local anaesthesia is administered prior to surgery to cause numbness. You will be awake, but comfortable and not feel any pain.
A nerve block numbs the part of your body where the surgeon operates and this avoids the use of general anaesthetic. Like the above methods, you will be awake but comfortable and not feel any pain.
To make things more pleasant during your stay, your anaesthetist may intravenously administer a drug to make you relaxed and drowsy.
The advantage of the above methods of anaesthesia is that as soon as the operation is finished the patient is usually ready for something to eat and drink and discharge generally takes place within the hour.
You are put into a state of unconsciousness for the duration of the operation. This is achieved by injecting a drug, or drugs, through a needle placed in a vein and is combined with a mixture of gases that you will breathe. The anaesthetist monitors your condition closely while you remain unaware of your surroundings. Recovery time will be longer with a general anaesthetic.
Although the drugs administered are given in the smallest effective doses, they may take a while to be eliminated from your body due to different rates of metabolism. It is therefore imperative that you do not drive, work machinery or sign important documents for 24 hours following the procedure.
Today is your big dig day! It is important that you know are comfortable and informed of the steps leading up to your surgery.
These are general fasting rules, unless otherwise advised. Please telephone our nursing staff if you have any queries.
Adults who have morning surgery are requested not to eat or drink after midnight the night before their surgery.
If your surgery is in the afternoon, have breakfast but do not eat or drink after 7am unless otherwise advised during your pre-admission phone call.
Our friendly reception staff will finalise your admission and account, and any other necessary details, on arrival.
A nurse will welcome you into the clinic where you can relax in a comfortable chair.
Observations and a medical history will be taken by our nursing staff.
Your privacy and confidentiality is retained and respected at all times
All procedures require recovery time and this depends on the individual patient. the average stay is approximately 2-3 hours depending on your procedure.
Patients are offered light refreshments before leaving the Centre.
Following anaesthesia, you are to be accompanied home by a responsible adult and have someone to stay with you on the night of surgery. We advise that you must be transported home by private car or taxi and not on public transport.
A 24-hour instruction sheet will be given to you on discharge.
You may be required to visit your surgeon the following day.
You will receive a courtesy phone call from our nursing staff the following day.
You may have an eye pad covering your effected eye. This may affect your depth perception and increase your falls risk. Therefore it is important to have a responsible adult accompany you home.
The pre admission stage of your day surgery care is very important and will assist to ensure you have a positive experience.
There are a number of things you can do to ensure you are adequately prepared for your admission.
Please read the information on this website very carefully. Your ophthalmologist will explain your procedure/operation and complete the consent form with you.
If you have difficulty with understanding English, please get the support of a competent person to translate for you and assist with your visit to the Centre.
You will receive a phone call up to 24 hrs before your surgery, advising you of your fasting and admission times. If you are not English speaking please organise for someone with good English skills to contact us on your behalf.
Assistance is also available from the translation and Interpretation Service (TIS) on:
1800 131 450.
There are general fasting rules, unless otherwise advised. Please telephone our nursing staff if you have any queries.
In accordance with the NSW Health policy, the Sight Foundation Theatre is a smoke free environment.
Please do not bring any valuables as the Centre is not able to take any responsibility.
Please follow any pre admission instructions given to you by your doctor.
If accompanying a patient you may wait in our comfortable waiting area. Alternatively we will ring when the patient is ready to leave.
It is important that you advise us if your weight is greater than 120 kg as it may not be advisable for you to have your procedure at our Centre.
You must include a current physical address not a P.O. Box on the Pre Admission Form paperwork. These forms will allow us to confirm your admission and financial and other arrangements. Please forward the completed forms to the Centre as soon as possible so that your day surgery booking can be confirmed:
Sight Foundation Theatre, Level 3, Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney
02 9223 8299 and bring the originals on the day of surgery
Sight Foundation Theatre, GPO Box 2684, Sydney NSW 2001
info@sflf.org.au
If your account is handled through Workcover or a Third Party Claim, please provide us with the full details of your claim, including a letter from the insurer accepting liability for your admission.