Refer a Patient for Private Eye Surgery in the UK
Fast, clinician-led referral for cataract surgery, oculoplastics and specialist ophthalmology—supporting optometrists with clear pathways, timely appointments and structured feedback.
- Simple referral form for optometrists and primary care teams
- Consultation-first approach with transparent patient options
- Secure handling of patient information and clear communication
- Cataract, eyelid (oculoplastics), and other ophthalmic procedures
For UK optometrists and healthcare professionals. For urgent sight-threatening emergencies, advise the patient to attend A&E/eye casualty immediately.
Refer a patient securely
Use the form to request a private ophthalmology consultation. We’ll contact the patient to arrange an appointment and confirm next steps. If you’d prefer to attach additional clinical notes, include a brief summary in the message and we can request supporting documents securely.
What happens after you submit:
- We acknowledge receipt and review the referral details
- We contact the patient to book a suitable clinic appointment
- We keep you informed (with patient consent) and provide outcome feedback
Common referral reasons
- Cataract impacting daily activities (driving, reading, glare, falls risk)
- Eyelid/oculoplastics: ptosis, entropion/ectropion, lid lesions, watery eyes
- Second opinions on surgery suitability, lens options, or complex cases
- Other ophthalmic concerns requiring consultant assessment
Who you can refer
This page is designed for UK optometrists and primary eye care professionals referring patients who would benefit from a private consultant ophthalmologist assessment. If a patient needs emergency care, prioritise urgent NHS pathways.
Cataract assessment
- Reduced vision affecting reading, driving or work
- Glare/haloes, especially at night
- Desire to discuss lens options and outcomes
Oculoplastics & eyelids
- Ptosis impacting visual field or comfort
- Entropion/ectropion, watering, irritation
- Lid lesions requiring specialist review
Other specialist opinions
- Complex refractive considerations
- Post-op concerns needing review
- Patients seeking a clear plan and timeline
Not sure if a patient is suitable? Use the referral form with a brief summary and we’ll advise on appropriate next steps.
Benefits for your practice and your patient
A private referral should feel straightforward: timely access for the patient, clarity for you, and a pathway that complements—not replaces—your ongoing community eye care.
Speed & certainty
Patients can book a consultation quickly and receive a clear plan—ideal for those whose daily activities are affected and who want an efficient route to treatment.
Clinical communication
We provide structured feedback (with patient consent) so you know what was found, what was recommended, and what follow-up is planned.
Patient-centred choices
Patients receive consultation-first guidance on options, expected outcomes, and risks—supporting informed decisions without pressure.
Clear governance
Appropriate consent, safe record handling, and a process designed for UK clinical expectations and patient reassurance.
Continuity of care
Your patient can continue routine care with you. Where suitable, we coordinate post-treatment checks and ongoing management.
Better patient experience
A professional, calm environment, with time to discuss symptoms, lifestyle goals, and realistic expectations.
Referral pathway (what to expect)
A clear pathway helps your patient feel confident and keeps everyone aligned—referrer, patient and consultant.
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Submit the referral
Complete the referral form with key findings and patient contact details. -
We contact the patient
We arrange a consultation appointment and share what to bring (current spectacles, medication list, any prior reports). -
Consultant assessment
Full ophthalmic evaluation, discussion of diagnosis, management options, and suitability for any procedure. -
Plan & consent
Where surgery is appropriate, the patient receives a clear explanation of risks, benefits, alternatives and recovery timeline. -
Outcome feedback
With patient consent, we provide you with a summary so you can continue supporting their eye health.
Tip for smoother triage: If cataract is suspected, include symptoms (glare, driving difficulty), functional impact, and best-corrected visual acuity where available. For eyelids, add photos if your local governance allows (do not email patient-identifiable images unless secured).
What information to include in your referral
The more relevant detail you provide, the faster we can book the right appointment type and ensure a productive first consultation.
| Referral type | Helpful clinical details | Patient goals / concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract | BCVA (each eye), symptoms (glare/haloes), cataract appearance, ocular history, relevant systemic history, meds and anticoagulants, any OCT/fields summary if relevant. | Driving at night, reading, work demands, desire for reduced spectacle dependence, timeline constraints. |
| Oculoplastics | Presenting issue (ptosis/entropion/ectropion/lesion), duration, symptoms, ocular surface status, lid measurements if taken, photos if governance permits. | Visual field impact, irritation/watering, cosmetic concerns, previous interventions. |
| Other | Reason for specialist opinion, key findings (IOP, anterior/posterior segment), red flags ruled out, and what you’d like answered. | Patient expectations, anxiety points, accessibility requirements (mobility/hearing/language support). |
Avoid common referral delays
Missing contact details
Please ensure the patient’s email and telephone number are correct, and confirm their preferred contact method in the message if needed.
Unclear reason for referral
A short clinical summary and the question you want answered helps us triage appropriately and improves the first consultation.
Referral FAQs (UK)
Do you accept optometrist referrals?
Yes. This page is built for UK optometrists and primary eye care professionals. Submit the referral form with key findings and patient consent to share details.
Will the patient still be under my care?
Yes. Most patients continue routine eye care with their optometrist. We coordinate around the consultation/treatment plan and share outcomes with consent.
What if the patient needs urgent NHS assessment?
If you suspect a sight-threatening emergency (e.g., sudden vision loss, acute pain, trauma), advise the patient to attend A&E/eye casualty immediately and use urgent NHS pathways.
Can I refer for a second opinion?
Yes. Second opinions are common for cataract surgery planning, lens choices, and complex cases. Include what the patient has already been told and what they want clarified.
Do you provide costs to the patient?
We discuss fees and available options with the patient directly as part of the consultation pathway, so they can make an informed decision with no surprises.
What data protection steps are needed?
Please obtain patient consent before submitting identifiable information. If you plan to share attachments or images, use secure methods aligned with your practice governance.
Trust, governance and patient reassurance
Referring privately should feel safe for the patient and professionally robust for you. We take consent, confidentiality and clear clinical documentation seriously.
Consent-led communication
We share clinical outcomes with the referrer when the patient has agreed, keeping communication appropriate and professional.
Clear documentation
Consultation findings and plans are recorded clearly, supporting continuity of care and reducing avoidable follow-up queries.
Patient understanding
We prioritise realistic expectations—what surgery can and cannot achieve—and ensure patients understand recovery and aftercare.
What other UK optometrists value
Below are examples of the type of feedback we aim to deliver through our referral process—prompt communication, clear plans and a reassuring patient journey.
“The referral was straightforward and the patient came back with a clear plan. The outcome summary made ongoing care easy.”
“Good communication and a calm, professional experience for a nervous cataract patient. Helpful to have the key findings shared back.”
“The patient appreciated having time to discuss options properly. The pathway was clear from first contact.”
Prefer a quick call-back? Submit the referral with minimal details and we’ll follow up for any missing clinical information.
Ready to refer a patient?
Use our secure form to request a private consultation for cataract surgery, oculoplastics or other specialist ophthalmology needs. We’ll take it from there—and keep you informed with consent.
If the patient is acutely unwell or you suspect a sight-threatening emergency, direct them to urgent NHS care.
Quick checklist
- Patient consent obtained
- Contact details and postcode confirmed
- Symptoms and impact noted
- Key findings included (VA/IOP where relevant)
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