For Optometrists: Fast, Trusted Private Eye Surgery Referrals
Refer your patients to EyeSurgeryClinic.co.uk for consultant-led cataract surgery, oculoplastics and other private ophthalmology procedures—clear communication, timely appointments, and shared-care-friendly outcomes across the UK.
- 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
UK private clinic. We’ll confirm receipt and next steps—please include key findings and any red flags in your notes.
Refer a patient to our private ophthalmology team
Use the form 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 NHS urgent eye service as appropriate.
Prefer to speak first? Jump to pathway & timings or check FAQs.
Referral request form
What we accept from UK optometrists
We support community optometrists with prompt access to consultant ophthalmologists for patients who choose private care. 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 EyeSurgeryClinic.co.uk
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.
Referral pathway for optometrists (simple and auditable)
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.
Typical timings (guide)
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Referral submitted | We acknowledge and begin triage. |
| Consultation | Assessment, diagnosis, and options discussed. |
| Procedure | If indicated and chosen by the patient, scheduled based on clinical priority and availability. |
| Follow-up | Planned review and/or shared-care checks with clear guidance. |
Exact timelines vary by clinical need, patient availability, and procedure type.
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.
- 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 checklist below as a guide—include what you have available from your assessment.
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.
Trust, governance and patient safety
Optometrists refer when the clinical pathway is dependable. Our approach prioritises clear documentation, appropriate signposting, and patient-centred informed consent.
Clinical communication
We aim for prompt, structured letters that support continuity of care, including medication and follow-up plans.
Informed consent
We support informed decisions by explaining benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic outcomes—especially important for cataract and lid surgery.
Appropriate escalation
If symptoms suggest urgent pathology, we advise the correct urgent route rather than placing the patient in a routine private queue.
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.
Ready to refer?
Send the referral in under 2 minutes. We’ll review, contact the patient to book, and keep you informed with clear clinical correspondence where consent is in place.
What patients value (and why it supports your referrals)
Patients referred from optometry often want three things: clarity, speed, and confidence. Below are examples of feedback themes we commonly hear after consultation and treatment.
Testimonials shown are illustrative of common feedback themes to support on-page understanding; outcomes and experiences vary by individual.