Private Neuro-Ophthalmology Consultant Clinic UK 2026

A private neuro-ophthalmology consultation in the UK typically costs from around £250–£400 in 2026 and includes a consultant assessment of your vision, visual fields, colour vision, pupils, eye movements and the optic nerve, usually with an OCT scan. It is the right first step for symptoms such as unexplained visual loss, double vision, visual field defects, or a swollen optic nerve seen by your optician. Sudden loss of vision, a new severe headache with visual symptoms, or sudden double vision should be assessed urgently — call 0800 852 7782 or see our urgent advice page.

What neuro-ophthalmology is

Neuro-ophthalmology sits at the border between ophthalmology (eyes) and neurology (the nervous system). A neuro-ophthalmologist is a GMC-registered consultant — usually an ophthalmologist with further subspecialty training — who investigates visual problems that arise not from the eye itself but from the optic nerves, the visual pathways in the brain, and the nerves and muscles controlling eye movement and the pupils. Because these symptoms can occasionally signal a serious underlying condition, expert assessment is important to reach the right diagnosis quickly.

What happens at the consultation

A neuro-ophthalmology appointment is detailed and usually lasts 30–60 minutes. It typically includes:

History — a careful account of your symptoms, general health, medications and any neurological features.
Vision and colour testing — acuity and colour vision, which can be affected early in optic nerve problems.
Visual field test — mapping your peripheral vision to detect and localise pathway or optic-nerve defects.
Pupil and eye-movement examination — checking pupil reactions and the coordinated movement of both eyes for nerve palsies.
OCT scan and optic-nerve examination — imaging the optic nerve and retina and a dilated view of the back of the eye.
Diagnosis and plan — a clear explanation, and where needed, onward brain or orbit imaging (MRI/CT) and blood tests or referral.

Dilating drops may be used, which blur vision for a few hours, so arrange not to drive yourself home. See what to expect at your consultation for more.

Conditions a neuro-ophthalmologist assesses

Optic nerve problems — optic neuritis, ischaemic optic neuropathy and other causes of optic nerve swelling or pallor.
Papilloedema — a swollen optic disc that may reflect raised pressure inside the head and needs prompt investigation.
Double vision (diplopia) and cranial nerve palsies affecting eye movement.
Unexplained or transient visual loss — including visual field defects noticed by you or your optician.
Thyroid eye disease with vision or nerve involvement — see thyroid eye disease and, in severe cases, orbital decompression.
Eyelid and facial spasm — treated with botulinum toxin; see blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm clinics.

Overlap with other eye conditions is common; for example, characteristic visual-field loss is also central to glaucoma, which your consultant will consider and distinguish where relevant.

New double vision, a visual field defect, or a swollen optic nerve reported by your optician? Get expert assessment this week.

Book a neuro-ophthalmology assessment

Indicative UK consultation costs in 2026

As a self-pay guide, a private neuro-ophthalmology consultation in the UK typically costs from around £250–£400, usually including visual field testing and an OCT scan of the optic nerve. Additional investigations — such as MRI or CT imaging, or blood tests — are quoted separately. Private medical insurance is widely accepted; with insurance you usually need a referral letter, whereas self-pay patients can book directly. For a general overview of consultations, see our free online consultation option.

How to get a same-week appointment

Private care removes the wait. Phone our team, attend a consultant-led assessment with visual fields and OCT, and receive a clear diagnosis and plan — often within the same week, and urgently for red-flag symptoms. Our consultant ophthalmologists see patients across our South England partner clinics with UK-wide guidance and can arrange onward imaging or neurology input where needed. Start with an appointment request.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private neuro-ophthalmology consultation cost in the UK?

As an indicative 2026 guide, from around £250–£400, usually including visual field testing and an OCT scan of the optic nerve. Further imaging such as MRI or CT, and blood tests, are quoted separately, and private insurance is widely accepted.

What does a neuro-ophthalmologist do?

They diagnose and manage vision problems caused by the nervous system rather than the eye itself — conditions of the optic nerve, the visual pathways in the brain, and the nerves and muscles that move the eyes and control the pupils.

What symptoms should prompt a neuro-ophthalmology referral?

Unexplained or sudden visual loss, new double vision, visual field defects, a swollen optic nerve seen on an eye examination, or unusual pupil or eye-movement problems. Sudden vision loss or new double vision should be assessed urgently.

Do I need a referral to see a private neuro-ophthalmologist?

Self-pay patients can usually book directly. If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer normally requires a referral letter first.

Will I need a brain scan?

Not always. Many patients are reassured after examination and optic-nerve imaging. Where the findings warrant it, your consultant will arrange MRI or CT of the brain or orbits and any necessary blood tests, and explain why.

Private neuro-ophthalmology consultant clinic in the UK: cost & what to expect in 2026