Ophthalmologists in London: book your appointment

Ophthalmologists in London

Are you looking for ophthalmologists in London? Our Dottore London medical centre is here for you.

If you think you need medical advice don’t delay in contacting us. If you have questions about what the sphere of competence of this specialist is, we will briefly explain what their field is and how you can contact us to book an appointment.

What is ophthalmology and what does an ophthalmologist do?

The ophthalmologist is the specialist who deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

Ophthalmology, is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of both medical and surgical diseases of the visual system. This includes the skin surrounding the eye, the eyeball (globe) itself and the muscles that move the eye. Common eyeball conditions are refractive errors, cataracts and retina disorders.

Which diseases are treated by ophthalmologists?

The diseases and disorders most often treated by an ophthalmologist, included: refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism), cataract, keratoconus, conjunctivitis, central serous chorioretinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, retinal detachment, diplopia, epiphora (watery eye), dry eye, blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, chalazions, infective keratitis (corneal ulcers), glaucoma, floaters, optic neuritis, venous occlusions, pterygium, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, strabismus, uveitis, dermatochalasis, entropion / ectropion.

Amongst the investigations most used by an ophthalmologist to diagnose or monitor an ocular disorder: fundus analysis, autorefractometry, biomicroscopy, visual acuity examination, retinal fluorangiography, corneal pachymetry, visual field examination, corneal topography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), tonometry.

The most commonly performed surgical procedures are: refractive surgery, corneal cross-linking, corneal transplants, cataract surgery, intravitreal injection of medicine for retinal pathologies, strabismus surgery (squint surgery), vitrectomy (retinal surgery), glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy, deep sclerectomy and minimally invasive glaucoma devices), blepharoplasty, ptosis surgery, removal of lid lumps / bumps (chalazions, skin tags or skin cancers).

When to have an eye examination?

Many eye diseases are asymptomatic, so it is advisable to have an eye check every 1-2 years. In the event the patient has an ocular pathology already ascertained, the frequency of the checks will depend on the type of pathology and will take place at pre-established intervals, in order to monitor the evolution of the pathology.

All patients wearing contact lenses are advised to stop using them for at least 3 days prior to the eye examination.

Eye examination: how does it work?

It’s a medical visit that allows the ophthalmologist to assess the state of health of the eyes.

The visit includes:

History / Consultation: begins with a review of the patient’s general medical history. This allows the ophthalmologist to identify systemic conditions, for example diabetes and hypertension, that may have ocular involvement. The ophthalmologist will take a detailed history of any new or concerning problems/symptoms the patient may have. Subsequently, the consultation will explore any previous ocular history pertaining to the patient or close relatives, as there are some conditions that are either inherited or share a close familial link.
Physical examination: begins by evaluating the patient’s head and face in order to identify the presence of orbital or general ocular changes. Then the motility and conformation of the eyelids are examined and finally the alignment of the eyes. The ophthalmologist then evaluates ocular motility in order to examine the health of the eye muscles.
Visual acuity examination: allows, after autorefractometry (objective examination of the refractive defect: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) to evaluate the ability of the eyes to distinguish and focus objects at all distances in a natural way and if necessary, with the most adequate correction with lenses. The shape, size and reactivity of the pupils to light stimulation are then evaluated.
Slit lamp examination or bio microscopy: this examination allows the evaluation of the eyelids, the tear film, the conjunctiva, the sclera, the cornea, the anterior chamber, the iris, the lens and with the use of additional lenses, the irido-corneal angle.
Ocular tonometry: measures the pressure of the eye and identifies any elevated values that are a risk factor for glaucoma.
Fundus examination: evaluates the health of the structures located in the back of the eye, such as the vitreous body, the retina and the optic nerve. The ophthalmologist uses the slit lamp and specific lenses that allow to examine the internal structures of the eyeball (vitreous body, retina and optic nerve). To obtain a better view of the internal structures of the eye, the pupils are dilated by administering mydriatic eye drops approximately 10-15 minutes before the fundus examination. At the end of the examination, the patient will notice slightly blurred vision, lasting a few hours, due to the dilation of the pupils.

Services offered

Consultation, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases
In-depth diagnostic tests for pathologies of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye
Surgical and para-surgical treatment of ocular pathologies

Prices

Eye examination: £260
Follow-up examination: £190
Optical coherence tomography: £150

Ophthalmologists