Private eye care should feel calm and well-explained. If you have sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, flashing lights, or a new curtain-like shadow, seek urgent NHS care (A&E/111) before booking. Otherwise, this guide walks you through each stage of your care.
Explore the detailed guides in this section: preparing for surgery, the patient journey, recovery and aftercare.
Before your appointment: what to bring and how to prepare
Good preparation helps you get the most from your consultation and can reduce delays if you proceed to treatment. If you’re coming for a private cataract assessment, oculoplastics consultation, or another eye procedure, the checklist below covers what UK patients commonly need.
Medication & eye drops
- Bring a list of current medicines (including blood thinners).
- Tell us about any allergy to medicines or eye drops.
- Bring your current glasses/contact lens prescription if available.
Your vision & lifestyle
- Note when symptoms occur (night driving glare, reading, screens).
- List any work or hobbies that affect lens choice (if cataracts).
- Bring details of any previous eye surgery or injections.
Transport & timing
- Allow extra time for potential dilating drops at assessment.
- If drops are used, your vision may be blurred for a few hours.
- Plan for someone to accompany you if you’re unsure about driving.
Contact lenses (important): For accurate measurements (particularly for cataract surgery planning), you may be asked to stop contact lenses beforehand. If you wear lenses, tell us — we’ll advise the correct timeframe for your lens type. See our full preparing for surgery guide.
On the day: what happens at the clinic
While exact steps vary by procedure (for example, cataract surgery vs oculoplastic eyelid surgery), UK patients can expect a structured pathway. If anything is unclear, please ask — informed choice is part of good care.
Check-in and identity confirmation
We’ll confirm your details and medical history.
Assessment and measurements
Vision checks and imaging as needed (particularly for cataract planning).
Discussion and consent
Options, benefits, risks, and alternatives (including doing nothing) are explained.
Treatment (if scheduled)
Local anaesthetic is common for many eye procedures; sedation may be discussed where appropriate.
Recovery and discharge advice
You’ll receive written guidance and contact information for queries.
Cataract surgery: typical experience (overview)
Before the procedure: final checks and lens plan confirmation; anaesthetic drops applied (you remain awake for most cataract procedures); questions answered, including vision goals and driving considerations.
After the procedure: a short monitored recovery period; eye drops prescribed and explained; follow-up arranged to check healing and vision.
Not sure which procedure you need? Book an assessment — we’ll explain options before any decision is made.
Book an appointmentAftercare & recovery: guidance for UK patients
Recovery varies by person and procedure. You’ll receive personalised instructions, but the information below covers common expectations after private eye surgery and oculoplastic procedures. Always follow your clinician’s advice if it differs from general guidance.
| Topic | What’s typical | When to contact us / seek help |
|---|---|---|
| Vision changes | Blurred vision is common early on after some eye procedures; vision may fluctuate as the eye heals. | Sudden worsening vision, a curtain-like shadow, or new flashing lights needs urgent assessment. |
| Discomfort | Mild irritation or a gritty feeling can be normal. Oculoplastics can cause bruising/swelling. | Severe pain, increasing redness, or nausea with eye pain should be checked promptly. |
| Eye drops & hygiene | You may need drops for a set period. Clean hands and correct technique matter. | If you cannot tolerate drops, or suspect an allergy, contact us for alternatives. |
| Work, exercise & driving | Many people return to routine tasks quickly, but timing depends on procedure and job demands. | Do not drive until you feel safe and meet legal vision standards; ask us if unsure. |
Using eye drops properly
- Wash hands and avoid touching the bottle tip.
- Use the number of drops prescribed (more isn’t better).
- Leave a gap between different drops if advised.
Protecting your eye
- Use any shield/cover as instructed.
- Avoid rubbing your eye during early healing.
- Take care with smoky/dusty environments.
Oculoplastics recovery tips
- Swelling and bruising are common early on.
- Follow wound care instructions carefully.
- Attend follow-ups for stitch/wound checks if required.
Read more in our recovery and aftercare guides.
Consent, safety and your privacy
Patient information should be practical and transparent. If you decide to proceed with private eye surgery, we will explain your diagnosis, suitable options and the benefits and risks in a way you can understand — and give you time to ask questions.
Informed consent
- We explain your condition and the aim of treatment.
- We cover realistic outcomes, limitations and alternatives.
- You can take time to decide; you’re not rushed into treatment.
Confidentiality & records
- Your information is handled confidentially.
- We keep appropriate clinical notes and test results.
- You can request copies of correspondence where applicable.
Bring questions: consider asking about expected recovery time, follow-up schedule, driving and work, potential complications, and what would happen if you choose not to proceed.
Fees, payment and what’s included
Private eye care fees depend on your assessment, recommended investigations and the procedure. We aim to be clear about what is included in your plan before treatment is scheduled.
Consultation
Assessment of your symptoms and eye health, with time to discuss options and decide next steps.
Diagnostics
Some patients need scans/measurements (commonly for cataract lens planning or eyelid assessment). We’ll explain why any test is recommended.
Procedure & aftercare
Your plan may include theatre time, clinician care, and scheduled follow-ups. You’ll receive written aftercare guidance for recovery.
Health insurance: if you plan to use private medical insurance, tell us when booking. We can advise what information may be required by your insurer. See insured patients and finance options.
Book a private eye consultation in the UK
Use the form to request an appointment. Tell us what you’re experiencing (for example: blurred vision from cataracts, eyelid concerns for oculoplastics, watery eyes, floaters, or post-op queries). A member of our team will contact you to confirm the most suitable appointment type and next steps. If you have a previous prescription, optometrist report, or medication list, include it when we contact you — it can help your clinician build a complete picture.