A private emergency ophthalmologist appointment — typically £200–£350 for an urgent consultant assessment with dilated examination — can usually be arranged the same or next working day in the UK. It's the right route for urgent-but-not-999 symptoms such as new flashes and floaters, a painful red eye, or sudden blurring in one eye. Chemical injuries, penetrating trauma and sudden painless loss of vision are true emergencies: go straight to A&E or call 999 rather than booking anything.
When a same-day private ophthalmologist makes sense
NHS eye casualty units do an outstanding job with genuine emergencies, but they are heavily triaged: symptoms judged non-sight-threatening can mean a long wait, or redirection to a routine clinic weeks away. A private urgent appointment suits the middle ground — symptoms that need a specialist's eyes on them within a day or two, examined unhurried, with imaging on the spot and a clear plan the same day.
It's also the practical route if you've already been seen but want a rapid second opinion from a consultant rather than waiting for a follow-up slot.
First: symptoms that belong in A&E, not a private clinic
Do not book anything — including with us — for these. Go to your nearest emergency department or eye casualty immediately, or call 999:
- Chemical splash to the eye — rinse with water continuously for 20 minutes and go straight to A&E.
- Penetrating injury or significant blunt trauma — anything that has cut, punctured or forcefully struck the eye.
- Sudden painless loss of vision in one or both eyes — this can signal a blocked retinal artery or stroke, where minutes matter.
- New double vision with drooping eyelid, severe headache or unequal pupils — needs immediate hospital assessment.
Symptoms that warrant a same-day specialist appointment
- New flashes and floaters — usually a harmless vitreous detachment, but a retinal tear must be excluded within days. Read when floaters are a warning sign, or book a same-day flashes-and-floaters check.
- A shadow or curtain in your side vision — possible retinal detachment; same-day review, and A&E if spreading rapidly.
- A painful, light-sensitive red eye — especially in contact lens wearers, where corneal infection needs urgent treatment.
- Sudden blurring or distortion in one eye — straight lines bending can signal macular problems that respond best to prompt treatment.
- A foreign-body feeling that won't settle, discharge, or an eye injury that seems minor but isn't improving.
If a tear is found at your assessment, treatment is often immediate — see our guide to retinal tear laser costs.
Not sure which category you're in? Call us — we'll tell you honestly whether you need A&E, a same-day appointment, or reassurance. See also our urgent advice page.
Request an appointmentWhat does an urgent private eye appointment cost?
- Urgent consultant assessment: typically £200–£350, including slit-lamp examination and dilated retinal examination.
- Imaging: OCT scans are often included; where charged separately expect a modest additional fee — confirm when booking.
- Treatment, if needed: quoted before anything is done — for example, laser for a retinal tear is priced as a separate procedure.
- Insurance: most insurers cover urgent specialist assessment; get a pre-authorisation number when you call your insurer, or pay and claim back.
How to actually get seen today
- Call first, don't book online. Urgent slots are usually held back from online diaries. Describe your symptoms plainly — clinics triage by symptom, not booking order.
- Have the practical details ready: when symptoms started, which eye, contact lens history, and any drops or medication you use.
- Consider a video triage first. A free online consultation can establish urgency and route you to the right clinic — though flashes, floaters and red eyes will still need an in-person dilated examination.
- Expect drops that blur your vision. A dilated examination means you shouldn't drive for several hours afterwards — arrange a lift.