A private paediatric ophthalmologist consultation in the UK typically costs from around £200–£350 in 2026 and includes an age-appropriate vision test, a squint (cover test) and orthoptic assessment, and — where needed — a dilated examination of the back of the eye. It is the right first step for a suspected squint, a "lazy eye", short-sightedness that is getting worse, a watery eye, an eyelid lump, or simply a thorough check and reassurance. No GP referral is needed to see us privately as a self-pay patient. If your child has a sudden change in vision, a painful red eye or an eye injury, please seek urgent advice — call 0800 852 7782.
What a paediatric ophthalmologist is
A paediatric ophthalmologist is a GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologist who has completed additional training in the eye conditions that affect babies, children and teenagers. Children's eyes are still developing, so problems are assessed and managed differently from adults — the priority is protecting the developing visual pathway and treating conditions such as amblyopia ("lazy eye") within the window when the brain and eye can still be trained to work together. Consultations are child-friendly and unhurried, and are usually supported by an orthoptist, a specialist in eye movement, squint and binocular vision. You can meet the team on our our surgeons page.
What happens at a children's eye consultation
A typical paediatric appointment lasts 30–45 minutes and is tailored to your child's age and attention span. It usually includes:
- History and vision test — your concerns, birth and family history, and an age-appropriate measurement of sight using pictures, letters or matching games.
- Cover test and squint assessment — a simple, painless check of how the eyes align and work together to detect a squint (strabismus).
- Orthoptic assessment — testing of eye movements, focusing and 3D (binocular) vision by a specialist orthoptist.
- Cycloplegic refraction — relaxing drops let us measure your child's true glasses prescription accurately, as children can otherwise over-focus and mask a long-sighted result.
- Dilated fundus examination — when needed, drops widen the pupil so the consultant can examine the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye.
- Diagnosis and plan — a clear explanation, in plain language, given to both parent and child, with next steps whether that is reassurance, glasses, patching, myopia control or referral for treatment.
The drops used for cycloplegic refraction and dilation blur close vision and increase light sensitivity for a few hours, so it helps to bring a sun hat or sunglasses and to plan a quiet afternoon afterwards. See what to expect at your consultation for more.
Conditions a paediatric ophthalmologist assesses
- Squint (strabismus) — a turning eye that may need glasses, exercises or, in some cases, childhood squint surgery.
- Amblyopia ("lazy eye") — reduced vision in one eye, treated with glasses and patching when picked up early enough.
- Short-sightedness (myopia) and myopia control — for children whose glasses are strengthening each year, evidence-based options can slow progression (see below).
- Watery eye / blocked tear duct — common in babies; most settle, but persistent cases are assessed and, if needed, treated.
- Eyelid lumps such as a chalazion — a common, benign meibomian cyst on the lid that is monitored or treated.
- General eye checks and reassurance — for a family history of eye problems, a failed school screening, or a parent's concern about how a child sees.
- Prompt referral for anything urgent — any red-flag finding is escalated quickly to the right specialist.
Myopia control options for children
If your child is becoming more short-sighted, several UK-available options can help slow how quickly myopia progresses. Which suits your child depends on their age, prescription and lifestyle, and we explain the evidence and trade-offs at the consultation. Options include MiSight 1-day soft contact lenses, Hoya MiYOSMART spectacles, Stellest spectacles, orthokeratology (ortho-K) night lenses, and low-dose atropine drops (Ryjunea).
Worried about a turning eye, a lazy eye or worsening short-sightedness? Arrange a calm, consultant-led check for your child.
Book a children's eye assessmentIndicative 2026 consultation costs
As a self-pay guide, a private paediatric ophthalmologist consultation in London or across our UK-wide network typically costs from around £200–£350 in 2026, usually including the vision test, orthoptic and squint assessment and, where clinically needed, cycloplegic refraction. Any additional imaging, glasses, a myopia-control programme or treatment is quoted separately so you always know the cost before proceeding. Private medical insurance is widely accepted; with insurance you usually need a referral letter, whereas self-pay families can book directly. You can see wider figures on our price list.
Referrals and how to be seen
You do not need a GP referral to see our consultants privately when paying for yourself — you can book directly. If you are claiming on private medical insurance, your insurer will usually ask for a referral letter first, so it is worth checking your policy before you book. Our consultant ophthalmologists and orthoptists see children across our South England partner clinics with UK-wide guidance, and appointments are arranged to suit school and family routines. Start with an appointment request or a free online consultation. For a sudden change in vision, a painful red eye or an eye injury, use our urgent advice line without delay.