A private video eye consultation lets you speak to a UK consultant ophthalmologist by secure video call, often the same day, as a convenient alternative to travelling to a Harley Street clinic. It is ideal for discussing symptoms, reviewing a diagnosis or scan report, getting a second opinion and planning next steps. It cannot fully replace an in-person examination — a slit-lamp check, eye-pressure measurement and OCT scan need a clinic visit — so anything requiring scans or treatment is arranged at an in-person appointment. For sudden vision loss, a red painful eye, or new flashes, floaters or a shadow over your sight, seek same-day in-person care — see our urgent advice page or call 0800 852 7782.
What a video eye consultation is
A video (or online) eye consultation is a remote appointment with a GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologist, carried out over a secure video link. Many people search for a “Harley Street eye specialist” expecting to travel into central London; a video consultation gives you access to the same consultant-led expertise from home, wherever you are in the UK. It is a form of teleophthalmology — increasingly used across the NHS and private sector for triage, advice and follow-up — and is a practical first step before committing to travel or an in-person assessment. Learn what a standard visit involves on our what to expect at your consultation page.
What happens at the appointment
A typical video consultation lasts 15–30 minutes and covers:
- Your history and symptoms — what you have noticed, how long for, and your general health and medications.
- Review of any records — you can share previous prescriptions, letters, photos or OCT scan reports for the consultant to review.
- Guidance and a plan — a clear explanation of the likely cause and whether you need monitoring, an in-person examination, or treatment.
- Next steps — if an in-person assessment is needed, it is arranged at one of our South England partner clinics, with any scans or tests carried out then.
Because a camera cannot examine the inside of your eye or measure eye pressure, the consultant will always tell you honestly when an in-person visit is necessary rather than attempt to diagnose those things remotely.
When a video consultation is the right choice
- Discussing a known diagnosis — for example planning cataract surgery or laser eye surgery and choosing between options.
- Second opinions — reviewing a report or recommendation you have already received.
- Follow-up and advice — checking progress or discussing results without another trip to a clinic.
- Deciding whether you need to be seen — triaging non-urgent symptoms to the right next step. Browse the conditions we treat on our conditions hub.
Want expert eye advice today without the trip to London? Start with a free online consultation.
Book a free online consultationIndicative costs in 2026
At Eye Surgery Clinic, the initial online consultation is free — a convenient way to speak to our team, discuss your symptoms and decide the best next step. If you go on to need a full in-person diagnostic assessment with scans such as OCT, that typically starts from around £200–£350, with any treatment quoted separately. See our full price list for details. Private medical insurance is widely accepted for in-person assessment and treatment; with insurance you usually need a referral letter, whereas self-pay patients can book directly.
How to get a same-day consultation
Online booking removes the wait. Request a video consultation, speak to a consultant or member of our clinical team — often the same day — and receive clear guidance and a plan. If you then need to be seen in person, we arrange a consultant-led assessment at a South England partner clinic, with UK-wide guidance throughout. Meet the team on our our surgeons page, or read what happens at an in-person laser eye surgery consultation. Start with a free online consultation or an appointment request.