REI (Eye Infirmary)
People with eye conditions will be able to access a brand-new state-of-the-art facility this year as the building for a new REI is nearly complete. Located on William Prance Road, the new three-floor facility will bring together the outpatient and surgical eye treatments that are currently provided at Derriford Hospital.
As an aging population, the need for high quality eye care and eye issues are going to continue to increase, with more people experiencing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. However, the new REI means more space and more equipment which is good news for waiting times for patients accessing our services. With more space, staff and equipment, we will be able to treat more patients.
REI Benefits
- The new REI will have improved access for patients with a drop-off zone and parking immediately outside of the building.
- The facility will include theatres, an increased number of treatment rooms and an expanded area for young patients.
- It will also include the addition of a third operating theatre dedicated to sub-specialisms, such as oculoplastic, orbital and corneal surgeries, to start to reduce the waiting times of patients from across Devon and Cornwall.
- As a specialism, Ophthalmology (Eye Services) has a lower reliance on an acute hospital site, making it a suitable candidate for a move away from the Derriford Hospital site. However, Paediatric surgery and specialist ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) treatment will remain on site at Derriford.
- The move will release space on level 3 of Derriford Hospital which will be reassigned as a clinical unit and an additional ward.
REI Location
How to find us
From the Plymouth City Centre
- Head towards the A386 Tavistock Road.
- Keep right and follow the signs for Plymouth International & Derriford Business & Retail Parks
- Carry straight on to William Prance Road
- Take first left (Starbucks on left, The Range on the right)
- As you approach the mini roundabout, take second exit onto Alpha Way.
- Carry straight on and the REI is on your left.
From Tavistock
- Take A386 towards Derriford Roundabout
- At the roundabout, take second exit onto Brest Road
- Continue to roundabout
- Take 3rd exit onto William Prance Road.
- At traffic lights, turn right on to Alpha Way
- The REI is straight ahead.
From Ivybridge
- Follow Devon Expressway/A38 to Forder Valley Rd/ B3413
- Continue on Forder Valley Road B3413
- Take Platinum Parkway and at the top, keep left onto William Prance Road
- At the roundabout, take the first exit, continuing on William Prance Road
- At traffic lights, turn right onto Alpha Way
- The REI is straight ahead.
By Bus
Plymouth CityBus service
Bus services 34, 42, 42A,42B, 42C and the 50 bus services all stop at the Tavistock Road bus stop by McDonald's.
The REI is about an 8 minute walk from Tavistock Road.
Stagecoach service
Bus services 1 and 1A stops on the Tavistock Road bus stop by McDonald's, with the REI being an 8 minute walk away.
Watch our drone footage of the Royal Eye Infirmary build:
REI History
The Royal Eye Infirmary has a strong connection to the Royal Family. Originally opened in 1821 as the Plymouth Eye Dispensary, it later adopted royalty in its name when in 1828 the HRH the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV, became its Patron. The Royal Eye Infirmary moved to a new building in 1901 to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and later His Majesty King Edward VII consented to continue the Royal Patronage. Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex attended the official re-opening of the Royal Eye Infirmary when it moved to the main Derriford Hospital site in April 2013.
Watch our video and meet 96 year old Bob, who has been using the REI for many years.
How to collect your medicines following your appointment
What are your options?
As the REI does not have an onsite outpatient pharmacy, your clinician will discuss the most appropriate option to collect your prescribed medication.
1) Collect from Lloyds Outpatient Pharmacy on Main Derriford Hospital Site
Your clinician may either write a paper prescription or an electonic prescription which can be collected from the Lloyds Outpatient Pharmacy on the main hospital site.
2) FP10 Prescription
If appropriate your clinician can provide a prescription (FP10) which can be taken to your local high street community pharmacy for dispensing. It may be the case that your medicines need to be specially ordered for you.
3) Couriered to your home address
In some circumstances if you require a hospital only or specialist medicine, it will be delivered to your home address. Delivery of your medicines may take a few days and require you be at home to receive the delivery within working hours.
Where is Lloyds pharmacy?
Lloyds pharmacy is at the main entrance of Derriford Hospital. It can be found adjacent to M&S.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6.30pm
Telephone: 01752 777422
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