Private ophthalmology in Chertsey, Surrey

At The Runnymede Hospital in Chertsey, we offer fast, direct and convenient appointments with a consultant ophthalmologist. Our specialists will diagnose and treat any symptoms you might be experiencing.

Private ophthalmologists at Runnymede Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey

The Runnymede Hospital is in the historic town of Chertsey in Surrey. People come to us from all over Surrey, including Addlestone, Weybridge, Cobham, Chobam, Byfleet and West Byfleet. We also welcome patients from further afield, and even overseas.

At The Runnymede Hospital in Chertsey, we offer fast, direct and convenient appointments with a consultant ophthalmologist.

Our specialists will diagnose and treat any symptoms you might be experiencing such as:

Change in vision e.g. spots, double vision
Loss of vision
Physical changes to the eye
Changes in colours
Changes in the field of vision e.g. shadows, blurriness

Private and self-paying patients

At The Runnymede Hospital private and self-paying patients benefit from quick access to appointments with an experienced pain management consultant, as well as diagnostic tests including x-ray, ultrasound and MRI (where appropriate).

We also offer fast referrals on to other specialist consultants and physiotherapists where necessary to continue your treatment and care.

You can make an appointment directly with one of our private consultants at The Runnymede Hospital, or if you prefer, you can ask your GP to refer you (this may be necessary if you have private medical insurance).

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists are doctors of the eye. The main difference is the level and stage of care they offer. An optometrist provides primary care for your eyes – this might include routine eye tests, diagnosing and treating minor conditions, and prescribing corrective lenses.

An ophthalmologist is a specialist eye doctor offering advanced medical eye care and surgery. They can help with everything from complex eye diseases to intricate surgical procedures.

How much does a private ophthalmology appointment cost at Runnymede Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey?

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.

What eye conditions do our ophthalmologists at Runnymede Hospital treat?

Our ophthalmologists see patients with a wide variety of symptoms and can treat all common eye conditions, including:

These symptoms may be caused by any one of a number of eye conditions, including:

Cataracts – These cause the lens of your eye to become cloudy, stopping light from passing through it correctly. Commonly occurs in people aged 60+
Glaucoma – This is caused by damage to the optic nerve, often due to raised pressure in the eye. Can lead to sight loss if left untreated
Dry eyes
Blepharitis - Itchy and swollen eyelids
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – Both ‘wet’ and ‘dry’
Diabetic retinopathy – A complication of diabetes, affecting the blood supply to the retina. May lead to blindness if left untreated
‘Lumps and bumps’ around the eye and eyelids, such as a stye, chalazion or tumour
Inflammation such as uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer in the eye) and conjunctivitis
Eyelid problems such as drooping eyelids (Ptosis) or eyebags that overhang the eye and affect vision (needing Blepharoplasty)
Eyelids turning in (entropion) or turning out (ectropion)
Tear duct problems

This is not an exhaustive list, so if you don’t see your condition listed, you can still book in with one of our consultant ophthalmologists.

What are the symptoms of cataracts and how are they treated at Runnymede Hospital?

A cataract occurs when the lens of your eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy. The lens on the inside of your eye is a small transparent disc behind your iris. It helps you focus light, or an image, onto your retina, allowing you to see clearly.

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

Increased sensitivity to light or glare
Cloudy or blurred vision
Colours may look faded
Double vision
Circles of light around bright lights

Cataract surgery is the only treatment to cure cataracts. It is a very common and highly successful procedure.

How is glaucoma managed by an ophthalmologist at Runnymede Hospital?

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of conditions that cause damage to your optic nerve. Often this is caused by a build-up of fluid, which creates an increase in eye pressure.

We offer various treatments for glaucoma, with one of the most common being a type of surgery called a trabeculectomy. This treats glaucoma by draining out some of the fluid that has built up. It aims to reduce your eye pressure and prevent your vision from getting worse.

Private eye surgery procedures offered in Chertsey

Treatments include, but are not limited to:

What happens during an ophthalmology appointment at Runnymede Hospital?

When you first meet your consultant at the hospital, they will discuss your symptoms in detail. They will want to know:

What symptoms you have
When these symptoms first appeared
Whether you have received any treatment already, such as prescribed medication
If you have any specific concerns about your symptoms (for example, are you worried that recent changes in your vision may limit your independence?)

They will examine your eyes (an ophthalmologic examination) to measure your current vision and the health of your eyes. They may also take measurements of your eyes.

This may be all that is needed for them to make a diagnosis. Your consultant will then discuss the results with you and explore suitable treatment options.

In other cases, further investigations may be needed like a visual acuity test or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Scans such as CT or MRI can also be helpful in certain cases where bones or soft tissues need to be examined in greater detail.

When any test results are back, your consultant will discuss them with you and tailor a treatment plan to best suit your requirements.

How to book an ophthalmologist in Surrey

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 an ophthalmology appointment at Runnymede Hospital?

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