To book a private ophthalmologist consultation from Bristol you can self-refer directly — no GP referral is required. Start with a free online video consultation from home, or arrange an in-person assessment from £200 with a GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologist on the Specialist Register. Most patients are seen within days rather than the months a routine NHS ophthalmology referral can take, and the consultant who assesses you is the one who treats and reviews you afterwards.
When to see a private ophthalmologist
An optometrist on Bristol's high street can detect a great deal, but they cannot treat surgically or prescribe the full range of ophthalmic medication. A consultant ophthalmologist is a medically qualified eye surgeon, and referral to one is the right step when there is something to diagnose or treat rather than simply correct with glasses.
Common reasons Bristol patients self-refer include gradually clouding vision suggesting a cataract, raised eye pressure or a glaucoma suspicion flagged at a sight test, distortion or a blur in central vision, persistent dry or watering eyes that haven't responded to drops, eyelid problems affecting the field of vision, and second opinions on a diagnosis or a lens recommendation already received elsewhere. Our guide to when to see a private ophthalmologist instead of the NHS works through the decision honestly, including the cases where waiting for the NHS is the sensible choice.
Some symptoms should not wait for any appointment. Sudden vision loss, a curtain across your vision, a shower of new floaters with flashing lights, or sudden severe eye pain with redness need same-day assessment — see urgent advice and, if you cannot be seen immediately, attend an emergency eye service or call NHS 111.
Ready to speak to a consultant? Start with a free online consultation from home, or request an in-person assessment.
Request a consultationWhat to look for in a private ophthalmologist
Use these markers to judge any private eye specialist, in Bristol or anywhere in the UK.
Ophthalmology is not a single specialty, and the subspecialty match matters more than most patients realise — a glaucoma specialist and a retinal surgeon do very different work. Browse the conditions we treat at eye conditions and the procedures at treatments, then read individual profiles on our surgeons page.
What happens at your consultation
A private ophthalmology consultation is thorough but relaxed, and typically takes 45–60 minutes in person (or a shorter video call for the free online option).
- History & symptoms — your consultant asks how your vision affects daily life, work, driving and hobbies, and reviews your general health and medication.
- Vision and pressure checks — visual acuity, refraction and intraocular pressure measurement.
- Examination — slit-lamp assessment of the front of the eye and, where indicated, a dilated examination of the retina.
- Diagnostic scans — OCT, visual fields, biometry or corneal imaging as clinically required.
- Diagnosis & plan — you leave with a clear explanation, a written plan and, where surgery is recommended, an all-inclusive quote with no obligation.
Bring your current glasses, a recent optician's prescription or report if you have one, and a list of your medications. If you wear contact lenses, leave them out beforehand where you can — your consultation confirmation will tell you for how long.
After your consultation
Same day
You receive a clear diagnosis and written plan — and, if treatment is recommended, an all-inclusive quote with time to consider it.
Within days
If you proceed, treatment is usually scheduled within one to two weeks with your named consultant.
Treatment
Most eye procedures are day cases under local anaesthetic, with no overnight stay.
Follow-up
Reviews with the same consultant, and a written summary to your GP and optometrist if you'd like one.
Consultation cost
- Free online consultation: a no-obligation video assessment from home, anywhere in the UK including Bristol.
- In-person consultation: from £200 including a full examination. UK private ophthalmology consultations typically run £150–£300 — see private ophthalmologist consultation cost for what is and isn't included.
- Diagnostic scans: some providers charge OCT or visual field tests separately. Always ask for the total payable figure before you attend.
- Treatment: quoted separately and all-inclusive — for example our Bristol cataract surgery costs and Bristol lens exchange costs.
Insured patients should check policy excess and pre-authorisation first; see insured patients. Full price list at prices, and clinic addresses on our locations page.