Grand River Hospital

For more information on the surgical program:

Preparing for eye surgery at Grand River Hospital

Useful facts

Grand River Hospital is located at 835 King Street West, Kitchener, ON.
Parking is available onsite and managed by Precise Park Link. You can pay with cash or credit card.

COVID-protocols at Grand River Hospital

No general visitors are currently allowed in the hospital because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patients are asked to come alone to the hospital. One care partner is allowed for children and for adults who mobility/language assistance.
When you arrive at the hospital, a screener will ask you COVID-19 related questions. If you pass the screening criteria, you will be given a hospital-issued mask and asked to sanitize your hands.

What happens before surgery?

Your surgeon’s office will book the date and time of your surgery and will provide you will all necessary information, including a booklet and pre-anaesthetic questionnaire to complete.
You may require a preoperative anaesthetic consultation at the pre-surgical clinic before surgery.
Some patients need blood work or EKG testing done in the weeks before eye surgery.
If you take a blood thinning medication, please ask your surgeon if you need to stop it before surgery.
Please let your surgeon know before surgery if your child develops a cold, infection, or if they have bene exposed to chicken pox, measles, or mumps within 21 days of surgery.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Usually, you are asked to arrive at the hospital 2 hours before your scheduled surgery. The main entrance is on the 3rd floor. Report to the second floor for patient registration.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol 12 hours before your surgery.
No solid food after midnight the evening before surgery.
You may have apple juice or water (clear fluid) from midnight to 4 hours before the surgery. For babies under age 1, please see instructions below.
Do not take diabetic medications on the morning of your surgery.
Take your non-diabetic morning medication with sips of water at the usual time, unless advised otherwise.
Do not wear any eye makeup.
Bring the completed booklet and pre-anaesthetic questionnaire.
Bring a printed list of your medications with doses.
Bring your health card.
Bring your reading glasses and hearing aids, if used.
Bring the name and contact number of your driver/person to take you home.
If you do not speak English and require an interpreter, please arrange to have one come with you. If you are unable to arrange for an interpreter, please let your surgeon know and the hospital can help arrange one for you.

What happens after the surgery?

You can eat and drink solid foods after the surgery is completed.
Usually, you are able to go home 2 hours after the operation.
Written care instructions will be given to you before you leave.
You must have someone drive you home after the surgery and they may have to come into the hospital to pick you up.
Your surgeon will review with you what to expect after surgery in terms of recovery and activities.
After surgery patients are not allowed to drive for 24 hours but can resume normal activities the next day and can drive if their vision meets the driving standards.

Specific details for children undergoing eye surgery

A parent or primary caregiver must stay with the child to provide support while in hospital.
Children can bring a favourite toy/blanket or other items for distraction.
Hospital tours before surgery are currently temporarily suspended because of COVID-19. Usually, they are booked by calling 519-749-4254 between 8am and 3pm.
If required bring your child’s diapers.
Food/fluid instructions for children age 1 to 16 years old:

Normal food until midnight. No food after midnight the day before the operation.
You may drink water or apple juice (clear fluid) up to 4 hours before the surgery.

For more information on procedures performed at Grand River Hospital: