The Private Eye Surgery Patient Journey

What does the private eye surgery patient journey involve? Seven stages — enquiry, consultation, diagnostic testing, your options explained, treatment planning, the procedure day, and aftercare. No GP referral is needed, and most patients move from first enquiry to treatment in days to a few weeks rather than the months of an NHS wait.

Fast answer: how the journey works

Private eye care in the UK is built around timely access to a consultant ophthalmologist, advanced diagnostics, and a treatment plan you genuinely understand and feel comfortable with. Many people arrive with symptoms rather than a diagnosis — blurred vision, glare at night, watery eyes, a droopy eyelid or floaters — and the journey is designed to confirm what is going on, explain your options clearly, and support you safely through treatment and recovery.

You do not usually need a GP referral to be seen privately, though any previous optometrist findings or hospital letters are helpful. The pathway below applies across our common treatments, including cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange, glaucoma care, retinal procedures and oculoplastic (eyelid) surgery. Your consultant tailors the detail to your eyes, your health and your goals.

The patient journey: 7 stages from enquiry to aftercare

Stage 1 — Enquiry and triage

You contact us through our appointment request form or by phone. We confirm your details, ask about your main concern and any eye history, and guide you to the right type of appointment with the right consultant — for example a cataract and lens specialist or an oculoplastic surgeon.

Stage 2 — Consultation and history

At your consultation the consultant takes a careful history — your symptoms, general health, medicines and what you want to achieve, whether that is sharper driving vision or relief from eyelid heaviness. This is your chance to ask questions; our what to expect at your consultation guide explains it in detail.

Stage 3 — Diagnostic testing

Where needed, we carry out tests to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment — vision assessment, eye pressure, a slit-lamp examination, and procedure-specific scans such as biometry for cataract lens selection or OCT imaging of the retina. See the table below for what each test checks.

Stage 4 — Your options explained

The consultant explains the recommended approach, the realistic alternatives (including monitoring or doing nothing yet), the expected results and the key risks, in plain English. For cataract surgery this includes choosing between monofocal, EDOF and multifocal lenses. You are given time to consider — there is no pressure to decide on the day.

Stage 5 — Treatment planning and consent

If you choose to proceed, we confirm the timing, what to do beforehand, transport and escort arrangements, and a recovery plan that fits your diary. You give informed consent once your questions are answered. Our preparing for surgery guide covers the practical checklist.

Stage 6 — The procedure day

Most eye surgery is a day case under local anaesthetic, often with light sedation. You arrive, are checked in and prepared with drops, have the procedure (cataract surgery itself takes around 10 to 15 minutes per eye and is painless), then rest briefly before going home the same day with a shield, drops and written instructions.

Stage 7 — Aftercare and follow-up

You receive clear instructions for your drops, activity guidance and the warning signs that should prompt urgent contact. Routine follow-up reviews confirm healing is on track, and you are discharged once the eye is stable. See our aftercare and recovery guides for the full picture.

Tests and diagnostics: what we may do and why

Modern diagnostics confirm the cause of your symptoms and guide treatment. The exact set of tests depends on your needs and the procedure being considered.

Test	What it checks	Commonly used for
Vision assessment	How clearly you see, with and without correction	Almost every consultation
Eye pressure check	Intraocular pressure (a factor in glaucoma)	Glaucoma assessment, routine checks
Slit-lamp examination	Detailed view of the front of the eye and lids	Cataract, dry eye, oculoplastics
Biometry	Precise measurements for lens power	Cataract and lens surgery planning
OCT imaging	Cross-section scan of retina and optic nerve	Retinal and glaucoma conditions

If you wear contact lenses you may be asked to leave them out for a period before certain measurements, as they can temporarily change the shape of the cornea. We will tell you what applies to you.

Not sure which appointment you need? Tell us your symptoms and we will guide you to the right consultant.

Request an appointment

Preparing for your consultation

A little preparation makes your appointment far more productive:

Bring the basics: your current glasses, a list of your medicines (including drops, inhalers, insulin and supplements), and any previous eye letters or scans.
Plan your questions: note what you want to improve — reading, driving, comfort or appearance — and any worries about risks or recovery.
Allow enough time: some assessments involve dilating drops that blur your vision for a few hours, so arrange not to drive yourself home that day.
Bring someone with you if you would find it helpful, especially if your vision may be temporarily affected by tests.

Indicative costs along the journey

Private pricing is transparent and confirmed before you commit. As an orientation, an initial consultation is typically around £240 (or £340 with OCT imaging) and is credited against your surgery if you proceed. All-inclusive surgical packages then cover your consultant, theatre, any lens or implant and all routine aftercare — for example private cataract surgery from around £2,900 per eye, oculoplastic (eyelid) procedures from around £460, and glaucoma care from SLT laser at £950 per eye. For exact figures and finance options see:

If your symptoms suddenly worsen

While you are waiting to be seen or considering your options, certain symptoms need urgent assessment rather than a routine appointment. Seek same-day help if you develop a sudden loss of vision, a shadow or curtain across your sight, a sudden shower of new floaters or flashing lights, or severe eye pain. Use our urgent advice line, or in an emergency call 999 or attend your nearest eye casualty (A&E).

Frequently asked questions

How long does the patient journey take?

It depends on your diagnosis, the tests required and how quickly you wish to proceed. Many patients attend a consultation and, if they choose to go ahead, have surgery within a few weeks — days to weeks rather than the months typical of an NHS wait. Others prefer time to consider their options, which is entirely fine; there is no pressure to decide on the day of your consultation.

Do I need a GP referral to be seen privately?

No, you do not usually need a GP referral for a private eye consultation. You can request an appointment directly. If you have previous optometrist findings, hospital letters or scans, bring them along as they can be helpful, but they are not required. For insured patients, your insurer may ask for a referral and pre-authorisation, which we can help you arrange.

What happens at the first consultation?

The consultant takes a history of your symptoms, general health and medicines, examines your eyes, and arranges any tests needed to confirm the diagnosis. They then explain what is going on, your treatment options, the likely results and the risks, and answer your questions. You leave knowing the recommended next steps, whether that is monitoring, further testing or scheduling treatment.

What tests might I have, and will they hurt?

Common tests include a vision check, eye pressure measurement, a slit-lamp examination, and procedure-specific scans such as biometry for cataract surgery or OCT imaging of the retina. They are painless and non-invasive; the main inconvenience is that dilating drops can blur your vision for a few hours, so you should not drive yourself home if your eyes are dilated.

Will the risks and alternatives be explained before I decide?

Yes. Informed consent is central to safe care. Your consultant explains the expected outcome, the possible complications and the realistic alternatives — including monitoring or delaying treatment — so you can decide with confidence. You are given time to consider, and you can ask further questions before signing your consent form on a later date if you prefer.

Is most eye surgery done as a day case?

Yes. The great majority of eye surgery, including cataract surgery, lens exchange, most glaucoma and oculoplastic procedures, is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic, often with light sedation. You are usually in the clinic for a few hours and go home the same day. You will typically need a responsible adult to take you home, especially if sedation is used.

Can I bring someone with me to appointments?

Yes, and many patients find it helpful to bring a friend or family member, particularly if tests may temporarily affect their vision or if they want a second pair of ears for the discussion of options. On the day of surgery you will usually need someone to escort you home, so it is worth planning this in advance.

How much does it cost, and can I spread the payment?

An initial consultation is typically around £240, credited against surgery if you proceed, and all-inclusive surgical packages cover your consultant, theatre, any lens and all routine aftercare — for example cataract surgery from around £2,900 per eye. You can spread the cost with 0% finance, and most procedures are covered by private medical insurance with pre-authorisation. See our price pages for full figures.

Do you provide aftercare and follow-up?

Yes. All routine post-operative reviews, your drops and a clear recovery plan are included in the price of your surgery. You will know exactly which drops to use and when, what activity is safe, and the warning signs that need urgent contact. Follow-up appointments confirm your healing is on track until you are discharged. Our aftercare and recovery guides explain what to expect.

What should I do if my symptoms suddenly get worse?

If you develop a sudden loss of vision, a shadow or curtain across your sight, a sudden shower of new floaters or flashing lights, or severe eye pain, seek urgent assessment the same day rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Use our urgent advice line if you are under our care, contact NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999 or attend your nearest eye casualty.

Can I get a second opinion through the journey?

Yes. If you have a complex history or simply want reassurance about a recommendation made elsewhere, a private consultation can provide a clear second opinion. Bring any existing findings, scans or letters so the consultant can review them. Mention in your enquiry that you would like a second opinion so we can arrange the most appropriate appointment for you.

Editorial information · reviewed 30 May 2026 by the Eye Surgery Clinic consultant team. This guidance supports but does not replace a personalised consultation.

Your private patient journey, step by step