The Sussex Eye Hospital is undergoing a £3 million renovation to improve the facilities for patients and staff.
New consultation and treatment rooms are being created as part of the work, as well as a separate waiting area for young patients.
The hospital has two dedicated operating theatres and this work will create an additional minor operations room.
The building, built in the 1930s opposite the Royal Sussex in Eastern Road, is also having all the windows replaced with new triple glazed units and having its roof repaired.
Mr Edward Hughes, Consultant Ophthalmologist, said: “This investment will mean we can see our patients in a more spacious and comfortable environment.
“The Sussex Eye Hospital provides comprehensive eye care to the local population but also specialist and 24 hour emergency care to referrals from a large region.
“At the moment we make the best possible use of every corner of the building and are looking forward to creating an environment that reflects the very high standard of care that we provide.”
Work is also starting to improve the signage around the hospital to make it easier for patients to get to where they need to go for treatment. The signs are being specially tailored with easy-to-see colours to better suit patients with visual impairment.
A significant part of this work is being funded through donations received from individual patients which are being used for vital equipment such as overhead procedure lights, microscopes and reclining patient chairs.
Matthew Kershaw, Chief Executive, said: “The hospital is recognised as a national centre of excellence providing the very best treatment to our patients as well as playing an important role in specialist teaching and research.
“We see more patients every year as more treatments become available. This work will improve the environment for both patients and staff and protect the architectural integrity of the building to ensure we can continue to provide high quality services in the future.”
