Private adult squint (strabismus) surgery costs from £4,500 per eye in the UK in 2026 for a single-muscle correction, all-inclusive of the consultant surgeon, orthoptic assessment, theatre and day-case fees, the operation, post-op drops and follow-up. The price rises where more than one eye muscle, or both eyes, need adjusting — your surgeon confirms the exact figure after measurements. Surgery gently repositions the small muscles that move the eye to bring the eyes back into line, correcting double vision and the appearance of a turned eye. For the clinical detail see our adult squint surgery page, or read the fuller cost breakdown on our companion strabismus surgery cost guide.
How much does adult squint surgery cost in the UK?
As a 2026 self-pay guide, private adult squint surgery starts from £4,500 per eye for a straightforward single-muscle correction. Because the operation is priced by how much work is needed, a larger or vertical squint, or one that needs two or more muscles adjusting, is quoted individually after your assessment. Operating on both eyes roughly doubles the single-eye figure. There is no NHS-style waiting list privately — most patients are assessed within days and treated within a couple of weeks.
Many adults were told as children that nothing could be done about their squint. That is no longer true: adult strabismus surgery is a well-established, effective day-case operation, and correcting a long-standing eye turn can make a real difference to both vision and confidence.
Who has private squint surgery?
- Double vision from misaligned eyes that glasses or prisms cannot fully correct.
- A noticeable eye turn — inward, outward, up or down — affecting confidence at work or socially.
- Eye strain and fatigue from the constant effort of holding the eyes aligned.
- A childhood squint that was never treated, or one that has returned in adulthood.
- Loss of binocular vision, where the two eyes no longer work together.
Want an exact price for your squint? A consultation with orthoptic measurements confirms the type of squint, how many muscles are involved and the all-inclusive cost.
Book a squint assessmentWhat affects the price
Three things drive the cost: how many eye muscles need adjusting, whether one or both eyes are treated, and whether an adjustable-suture technique is used to fine-tune the result. Your surgeon confirms the figure after orthoptic measurements — you will not be asked to commit before you have a clear, written quote.
A squint sometimes accompanies a lazy eye (amblyopia), which your consultant will assess at the same time. Browse every procedure on our treatments page, or compare costs across our full price list.
How squint surgery is performed
Adult squint surgery is a day case, usually under general anaesthetic — occasionally under local anaesthetic with sedation. It takes about 30–60 minutes depending on how many muscles are adjusted, and you go home the same day.
- Once you are anaesthetised, the surgeon opens the thin conjunctiva over the white of the eye to reach the muscle.
- The relevant eye muscle is detached, then moved back to weaken its pull or shortened to strengthen it.
- The muscle is re-secured with fine dissolvable stitches; an adjustable suture may be used so the alignment can be fine-tuned afterwards.
- The conjunctiva is closed with dissolvable stitches — the eyeball is never removed from the socket.
- The eye is checked and you recover before going home the same day.
Recovery
The eye is red and sore for a week or two, but most people are back to everyday activities within days. The new alignment is usually obvious straight away and settles fully over a few weeks.
First few days
The eye is red, gritty and watery and may ache when you look around. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops start. Most people take a few days off work.
Weeks 1–2
Redness and soreness settle. Any adjustable suture is fine-tuned in the first day or two. Avoid swimming and rubbing the eye.
Weeks 3–6
Redness fades — it can take up to six weeks to disappear fully. Alignment stabilises and double vision, if present, usually improves.
Ongoing
A review confirms the result. Most adults are very satisfied with the improvement in alignment and comfort.
What is included in the price
Our adult squint surgery pricing is all-inclusive — there are no separate charges for the orthoptic assessment, theatre or routine aftercare.
- Self-pay: from £4,500 per eye for a single-muscle correction, covering the consultant surgeon, orthoptic assessment, theatre and day-case fees, the operation, post-op drops and follow-up reviews. Multiple-muscle or both-eye surgery is quoted after assessment.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA where surgery is clinically indicated. We handle pre-authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost.
Compare related procedures on our prices page, including adult lazy eye treatment, or see the detailed strabismus surgery cost guide.