Ophthalmology in Stirling

If you’re losing your sight from a cataract, it’s possible to measure deterioration over weeks and months. But why take any risk with your vision when you can see an eye specialist (Consultant Ophthalmologist) promptly at our eye clinic at The Kings Park Hospital in Stirling?

We offer fast access to skilled and experienced ophthalmologists and their associates, including refractive optometrists.

Our Consultant Ophthalmologists have a particular interest in cataract surgery. It’s one of the most successful operations available, typically resulting in people with relatively poor vision gaining excellent vision. But you can also see them for other eye diseases and procedures to prevent or correct eye problems.

Stirling is well placed to serve a large geographic region in Central Scotland, from Stirling to Fife, Perth and Tayside.

Ophthalmology is a medical and surgical specialism focused on conditions involving the eye, including common eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

In the private sector, Consultant Ophthalmologists spend most of their time doing cataract surgery. The procedure is to remove the cataract and make vision better, but in most cases, it also improves your sight when you’re not wearing glasses. Therefore, it’s better to remove a cataract in its early stages.

Our consultants also see patients with glaucoma and macular degeneration. Glaucoma is where the pressure inside the eye is higher than it should be, resulting in damage to the peripheral vision over many years. It can, if left untreated, result in long-term reduced vision and even blindness in severe cases.

Macular degeneration relates to age-related ‘wear and tear’ in the central retina. The condition causes you to lose your reading vision and ability to see people’s faces, drive and watch television.

The cost of an initial consultation with one of our ophthalmologists starts from around £200, and if you need tests during the appointment this will be charged separately. Similarly if you are able to have treatment during this consultation, you’ll be charged separately for this. Any costs will be fully explained before any tests or procedures are performed, and you’ll be given a full breakdown of costs in writing.

The cost of ophthalmology treatment depends on what procedure you’re having done and the reasons for having it, and prices also vary depending on the expertise of your consultant. Again, you’ll be told everything ahead of time, with a full breakdown of costs.

If you have private medical insurance, ophthalmology treatment is often covered by insurance policies. If you are paying for yourself, you have the choice to either pay in full up front, or use one of our flexible payment plans to spread the cost over a time period of your choice, from 10 months to five years.  

Kings Park Hospital provides a full range of ophthalmology treatments, from simple non-surgical care to advanced microsurgery. Depending on your diagnosis, your consultant may recommend eye drops, oral medication, laser treatment or surgery. 

Cataract surgery

For cataracts, the most effective treatment is cataract surgery, where the cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. This procedure is highly successful and usually performed as a day case, meaning you can return home the same day. 

Glaucoma treatments

For glaucoma, treatment may involve eye drops to reduce pressure, laser therapy, or surgery when necessary. Our team uses the latest techniques to ensure effective long-term pressure control. 

Other treatments we offer 

Patients with dry eye syndrome may benefit from lifestyle adjustments, lubricating drops, prescription treatments or procedures to reduce tear drainage. Those with macular conditions may receive injections or specialist management to preserve central vision.

Eyelid problems such as drooping lids (ptosis), entropion, ectropion or cosmetic concerns can also be treated surgically to improve function and appearance.

Whatever your needs, your consultant will explain the benefits and risks of each option clearly, ensuring you feel confident in your treatment plan. 

Your local optometrist or optician should refer you to our eye clinic, but we are also happy to see patients who wish to self-refer for advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

When you come for an assessment at our eye clinic, try to have a week’s break from contact lenses before you come in, so your consultant can see your eyes in their natural state. Ideally, it’s best not to drive to your appointment as they might put in dilating eye drops that blur your vision. You’re welcome to bring a friend or family member into the clinic with you.

At the initial consultation, you will see a consultant ophthalmologist, who will ask you many questions about your eye health and your vision. They’ll also discuss any findings from previous tests you may have had, and discuss what you are looking to achieve from treatment.

Your consultant will carry out various tests in their diagnostics room. You’ll sit in front of a machine called a slit lamp, looking at a bright light, which enables them to see within the eye. It gives your consultant the readings they need to plan cataract surgery or deal with other conditions you may have.

Other specialist equipment that they might use measure parts of the eye. They include ocular biometry to measure the inside of the eye, a retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine to take pictures of the retina, and a Pentacam scanner to assess the cornea.

If they see something unexpected, such as macular degeneration in addition to cataracts, they can treat both conditions. They respond to what they find.

Your consultant will explain all the findings with you in layman’s terms and provide you with all your treatment options. They will go over all the pros and cons of treatment with you, give you time to think through your options and allow you to ask any questions or concerns you may have.

Some conditions can be treated medically, or if you require surgery and wish to go ahead, your consultant can arrange this for you within a few weeks.

They will give you information about your surgery, how to prepare and what to bring with you on the day.

For cataract surgery, you’ll come in a couple of hours before your surgery. The surgery takes 15 minutes to half an hour and is done under local anaesthetic (you’re awake throughout).

Some patients can find this a little nerve-racking. We will do our best to relieve your anxiety by being kind, considerate and talking you through everything. If you would prefer to have sedation, you can discuss this with your consultant.

After your operation, a clear plastic shield will be placed over your eye to protect it from any knocks.

You’ll be able to see immediately after cataract surgery, and most patients go home between 30 minutes and an hour after the operation.

We usually operate on one eye at a time. However, if you require surgery in both your eyes, the second eye will be done approximately one week after the first. Doing this ensures that you can always see from the one uncovered eye.

Treatment for glaucoma is usually eye drops to lower pressure and protect the eye from sight loss.

The treatment for macular degeneration depends on the type, severity, and impact on your daily life. With the mild type of the disease, the only steps you can take are looking after yourself and eating healthily. If it’s a more rare, aggressive type, such as wet macular degeneration, then treatment is an injection under local anaesthetic into your eye every month for a few months. The injections work well, but when the drug wears off, the condition can come back. So it needs to be monitored closely and treated several times.

There is not usually much you need to do to prepare for your ophthalmology appointment. We recommend taking a list of your current medications, making sure you have all the information about any previous treatments you’ve had, and it can also be helpful to keep a symptoms diary so you don’t forget to mention anything important.

Anything else specific you need to do to prepare will be clearly stated when you book your appointment and again when you get your confirmation.

If you have existing or new eye conditions, it can be alarming when something is amiss. That’s why part of the care our Consultant Ophthalmologists provide is assessing, explanation, and reassurance.

If surgery is the best option, you’re assured of a fast and efficient service to correct and protect your vision. Our Consultant Ophthalmologists are nationally noted specialists and perform thousands of operations yearly, so you’re in excellent hands.

To book your initial consultation with one of our ophthalmologists near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.

Can I self-refer for ophthalmology services in Stirling?

If you are paying for your own treatment, yes, you can usually self-refer to an ophthalmologist at Kings Park Hospital.

If you wish to use private medical insurance, you will usually need a referral from your GP. Speak to your insurer directly to find out. If you don’t have a GP referral, we can help you arrange one. Give us a call and our advisors will explain the process.