For Optometrists | Private Eye Surgery Referrals UK

We support UK community optometrists with prompt access to consultant ophthalmologists for patients who choose private care. Referrals are welcomed from independents, multiples and domiciliary providers, with clear triage, timely appointments and clinical letters back to you promptly.

Rapid appointments and clear triage — ideal for symptomatic cataract and lid conditions
Consultant-led care with clinical letters back to you promptly
Referrals welcomed from independents, multiples and domiciliary providers
Patient-friendly pathway with transparent next steps

Refer a patient to our private ophthalmology team

Use the form below to send a referral request. We’ll review the information, contact the patient to arrange an appointment, and keep you updated with clinical correspondence. This pathway is designed for UK community optometrists who want a reliable private option for patients who prefer to avoid long waits.

Tip for smoother triage: include best corrected VA, refraction, IOP (if relevant), key slit lamp findings, and any OCT/fields results you have. If you suspect urgent pathology, advise the patient to seek emergency care or the NHS urgent eye service as appropriate — see urgent eye advice.

What we accept from UK optometrists

Referrals are welcomed for assessment, treatment, surgery and post-operative shared care where clinically appropriate.

Cataract surgery: symptomatic cataract affecting driving, work or daily living; reduced vision; glare/haloes; anisometropia or refractive imbalance. We can advise on lens options and suitability after full assessment.
Oculoplastics: eyelid and periocular problems including ptosis, entropion/ectropion, lid lesions, watery eye assessment, and functional issues impacting the ocular surface or vision.
Other ophthalmology: where appropriate, we can assess a range of anterior segment concerns and advise on onward management. If urgent pathology is suspected, we’ll direct to emergency/urgent NHS pathways.

Important: this page is designed for optometrist-led referral coordination. If you’re a patient, you can still use the form — just state you’re self-referring and include your optometrist’s findings if available.

Why optometrists choose Eye Surgery Clinic

Your patient’s experience reflects on your practice. Our private pathway is built to be simple for patients and respectful of your clinical role, with consistent updates and clear outcomes.

Responsive triage & booking: we review referral information promptly and contact the patient to arrange a consultation. You’ll know where they are in the process.
Consultant-led care: assessment and treatment planning are led by experienced ophthalmic consultants, with decisions documented and communicated clearly.
Shared-care friendly: where clinically appropriate, we support post-operative follow-up with community optometrists and provide clear guidance on what to check and when.
Clear clinical letters: you’ll receive correspondence that is easy to interpret in practice — diagnosis, management plan, medication and follow-up expectations.
Patient-first communication: we explain options, risks and benefits in plain English so patients can make informed decisions without feeling rushed.
Appropriate signposting: if a case looks urgent or unsuitable for private routine care, we’ll advise the correct urgent pathway rather than delay treatment.

Ready to refer? Send a referral in under two minutes and we’ll contact your patient to book.

Refer a patient

Referral pathway for optometrists

A predictable process helps your team set expectations and reduces back-and-forth. Below is our typical referral journey from form submission through to clinical correspondence.

Submit referral: complete the form with key findings and patient contact details.
Triage and booking: we review the summary and contact the patient to arrange a consultation at the earliest appropriate slot.
Consultation: full ophthalmic assessment and discussion of options (e.g. cataract surgery suitability, oculoplastics planning).
Treatment planning: if surgery is recommended, we explain risks, benefits, alternatives and recovery, then schedule surgery if the patient wishes to proceed.
Post-operative care: follow-up is arranged with us and/or shared with the community optometrist when appropriate, with clear instructions.
Clinical correspondence: we send letters with outcomes and guidance for ongoing eye care.

When to use urgent pathways instead

Private routine pathways are not suitable for emergencies. If you suspect urgent sight-threatening disease, advise the patient to access emergency care/urgent eye services in line with local UK pathways. See urgent eye advice.

Sudden vision loss, acute flashes/floaters with field defect, suspected retinal detachment
Severe eye pain, photophobia with reduced vision, suspected keratitis or acute glaucoma
Giant cell arteritis symptoms or other systemic red flags
Any condition requiring same-day assessment

What to include in an optometrist referral

Strong referral notes help us triage accurately and reduce delays for your patient. Use the checklists below as a guide — include what you have available from your assessment. Our optometrist resources page has downloadable guidance.

Cataract referral checklist

Symptoms: glare/haloes, night driving difficulties, reduced contrast, impact on work/ADLs.
Visual acuity: UCVA/BCVA each eye, pinhole if used, notes on variability.
Refraction: recent refraction and any significant change (myopic shift, anisometropia).
Ocular history: previous surgery, trauma, amblyopia, uveitis, glaucoma/ocular hypertension.
Findings: slit lamp, cataract grading if used, pupil/zonular concerns, IOP if relevant.
Investigations: OCT macula (if done), fields/optic nerve notes where relevant.

Oculoplastics referral checklist

Presenting issue: ptosis, lid malposition, watery eye, lesion, irritation/foreign body sensation.
Duration & progression: onset, change over time, functional impact (vision/comfort).
Ocular surface: dry eye signs, blepharitis, exposure, corneal staining (if relevant).
Red flags: painful rapidly growing lesion, bleeding/ulceration, lash loss, suspicious pigmentation, facial nerve palsy.
Photos (if available): if you have clinic photos, summarise and mention availability (avoid sending via this form).

Consent & privacy: please ensure the patient understands you’re referring them to a private provider and consents to sharing their details for appointment scheduling and clinical triage.

Optometrist referral FAQs

Do you accept referrals from any UK optometry practice?

Yes. We welcome referrals from independent practices, multiples and domiciliary providers across the UK. If travel is difficult, include the patient’s postcode so we can discuss options.

Will you keep me informed?

Where consent is in place, we aim to send clear correspondence back to you with diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up instructions — helpful for continuity of care.

Can the patient self-refer after my examination?

Yes. If your patient prefers to self-refer, encourage them to share your findings (VA, refraction, key slit lamp findings) to support faster triage.

Do you offer shared-care post-op checks?

In many cases, yes. We’ll outline what to assess, the expected normal course, and the signs that should trigger immediate review. Final decisions depend on clinical context.

What if I’m unsure whether cataract is the main cause of reduced vision?

Refer with your best findings and concerns. If there’s a macular or optic nerve component, include your OCT/fields notes if available so we can plan appropriate assessment.

Do you provide itemised costs to patients?

We provide clear information on consultation and procedure costs during the booking and assessment process so patients understand the pathway before proceeding.

Need a written pathway for your team? Use this page as a reference and bookmark the referral checklist to standardise notes at the point of care.