Private Ophthalmology Treatment Darlington

• Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery can correct problems caused by a cataract developing in the eye. This happens when the lens of the eye which helps you focus light or an image onto your retina allowing you to see clearly, becomes cloudy instead of clear.

• Glaucoma treatment including laser trabeculoplasty and laser iridotomy

Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma can affect people of any age, but it is most common in people aged 40 and over. Often, it is caused by a build-up of fluid that can increase eye pressure.

• Entropion and ectropion repair (correction for an eyelid that turns either in or out)

Both entropion and ectropion affect the eyelids by disrupting the protective covering over the eyes which prevents tears from evaporating and keeps the eyes lubricated.

• Laser treatment

YAG laser capsulotomy can restore vision after a posterior capsule opacification. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area so you won't feel anything throughout.

• Intravitreal injections for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

These injections help to slow the progression of AMD, also reducing symptoms.

• Minor operations such as eyelid cyst removal

We also offer a range of lens options, such as trifocal, extended depth of field and Toric lenses.

They will most likely want to know:

• What symptoms have you had?
• How long have you had these symptoms?
• Have you received any treatment for them before?
• Have these symptoms been getting progressively worse?

Your consultant will then wish to perform a clinical examination of your symptoms to asses the extent of any condition. Certain scans may also be required to confirm a diagnosis.

Non-invasive treatment can often be started on the same day, picking up any prescription medication from our on-site pharmacy. Surgical options will be presented to you with all the relevant information, and your consultant can outline all the risks and benefits of each procedure. This will enable you to make an informed decision on how best to proceed.

If you would like to book in to see one of our ophthalmology specialists at Woodlands, you can find all of them on our 'find a specialist' page. You can then look at each of their profiles, which will give you more insight into their background, training and any clinical interests.

To book an initial consultation, you can either book online, or give our friendly enquiry team a call on 01325 968 195.

After your initial consultation our private Patient Liaison Officers are on-hand to support you throughout your self pay journey at Woodlands Hospital. Your consultant may bring you in to see them after your first consultation. Here, they can give you some more information regarding pricing, surgery dates and everything in-between.

• Assessments ASAP – Conditions relating to the eye are best treated at the earliest possible stage. If you’ve been experiencing any of the associated symptoms, our consultants can see you for an assessment without delay, getting you an accurate diagnosis and the necessary treatment before your symptoms progress any further.
• Patient satisfaction – 98.1% of patients in 2024 said they would be likely or extremely likely to recommend their consultant to their friends or family. 96% also said that their overall experience of the nursing care was very good or excellent. We aim to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible, and these results highlight our continued efforts to ensure this is achieved.
• Day case procedures – Some minor procedures can be done on the same day as your initial consultation, making Woodlands a ‘one-stop shop’ for certain treatments and procedures.
• Personalised care – We believe in a bespoke approach to treatment, tailoring each experience to our patients’ needs and whatever may be best for you. This is regularly reviewed, ensuring you get the necessary treatment at every stage of your patient journey.
• A multi-disciplinary approach – Our teams at Woodlands work in tandem with each other to provide you with the best possible care from start to finish. Working closely alongside a dedicated team of radiographers, anaesthetists, and nurses, you have support from medical professionals every step of the way during your treatment.
• Convenient appointments – With appointments available between 10am and 8.30pm Monday-Saturday, you are sure to find an appointment slot that suits your needs and availability.
• Park with ease – We know that parking should be the least of your worries when attending hospital, so our car park has ample space to accommodate your needs. This also includes 4 electric vehicle charging points. Alternatively, we are very close to Darlington Railway Station, should you wish to visit us by train. We are also a short walk from multiple bus stops, including Morton Park Way (Morrisons) and Yarm Road.

For peace of mind and expert care, contact the team on 01325 968195, or book an appointment online now.

If you are paying for yourself, we can usually offer an upfront cost which you can then choose to pay in full or access one of our easy payment options.

If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. There are usually only three steps to accessing private treatment using insurance:

• Speak to your GP: Let your GP know that you have private medical insurance during your appointment with them. Ask them to refer you to Woodlands Hospital, and in you have already chosen which consultant you would like to see, let your GP know their name so they can give you a specific referral letter. The letter should include the hospital and consultant name, as well as the recommended treatment. Your GP can also give you a referral letter with no specified consultant.
• Speak to us: Once you have your referral letter from your GP, give our friendly Patient Liaison Officers a call on 01325 341786. If your GP gets in touch with us directly with your referral, we will be in touch with you.
• Speak to your insurer: After speaking to your GP, ensure that you call your insurer and activate your insurance. Have your insurance details to hand when you call, as they will need it to confirm that the treatment you need is covered by our policy. If the treatment is not covered but you would still like to go private, you can explore alternative methods.

For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.

We are located on Morton Park Way, opposite Dunelm and Premier Inn and over the road from Morrisons. Darlington Train Station is approximately 3.5 miles away and there is a taxi rank at the station with cabs available throughout the day. We are also a short walk from numerous bus routes, with stops at Morrisons and on Yarm Road. We are a short distance from local attractions such as Hopetown, the brick train sculpture and the Hippodrome.

We have free parking available on-site, with 4 electric vehicle charging points. The hospital has an accessible entrance, however please do let a member of the team know if you require a wheelchair and one of our friendly porters can assist you into the building.

Each of our rooms feature an en-suite for added comfort and privacy. The rooms are spacious with a remote controlled TV and free Wi-Fi available during your stay. Our catering team are on-hand to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at regular mealtimes. We offer a range of choices available, please do let us know of any special dietary requirements you have prior to your admission.

As well as offering surgery, we have a number of fantastic facilities on-site at Woodlands.

Our physiotherapy department consists of many experienced senior physiotherapists with a range of clinical interests including hand, women's health and men's health. We also have a fully equipped gymnasium, including an anti-gravity treadmill, exercise bike and numerous weights. The team will work closely with you to reach your goals, and you can self refer to book an appointment. If you're interested, please give the team a call on 01325 341712 and choose option 2.

We also have imaging facilities on-site, including a wide-bore MRI scanner, x-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy and access to a CT scanner. Please note: appointments for any imaging service at Woodlands Hospital can only be made once the department receives a referral from a GMC-registered consultant. For more information, please give our friendly enquiry team a call on 01325 968 195.