Your eye surgery consultation: 15 questions patients ask most

The consultation is the most important appointment in the entire process. It determines whether you are suitable, which procedure and lens fit your eyes, and what your realistic outcome is. These are the fifteen questions patients ask most often before attending.

How long does it take?

Allow 60–90 minutes for a full diagnostic assessment. Anything much shorter is a screening appointment rather than a consultation.

What scans will I have?

A thorough workup includes optical biometry to measure the eye, corneal topography or tomography to map the cornea, a macular OCT scan to check the retina, intraocular pressure measurement, a tear film assessment and a dilated retinal examination.

Will my eyes be dilated, and can I drive home?

Yes, dilation is standard, and it blurs vision and increases light sensitivity for four to six hours. Please arrange a lift or public transport, and bring sunglasses.

Will I see the consultant, or an optometrist?

This varies enormously between providers and is worth confirming when you book. In consultant-led care the surgeon who will operate examines you personally and discusses the results with you.

Do I need a GP referral?

Not for a private consultation, although a referral letter is helpful if you have existing eye conditions. Bring your most recent optician's prescription.

Should I stop wearing contact lenses beforehand?

Yes. Soft lenses distort corneal measurements, so leave them out for at least a week — longer for rigid gas-permeable lenses. Ask when you book, and wear glasses instead.

What should I bring?

Your glasses, your latest prescription, a list of medications, details of any eye conditions or previous eye surgery, and someone to drive you home.

Will I be told the price on the day?

You should be, in writing, and it should be a fixed total rather than a 'from' figure. Ask what is included: surgeon fee, hospital fee, lens, all follow-up appointments, enhancement policy and YAG capsulotomy.

What if I am not suitable?

You will be told so plainly, with the reason. Being declined is a mark of a careful clinic. Where surgery is not appropriate, there is often a medical alternative worth pursuing.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, and it is a good idea. A second person remembers what you will not, and can ask the question you were too polite to.

What should I ask the surgeon?

Who will operate; how many of these procedures they personally perform each year; their audited complication and refractive accuracy rates; which lens they recommend and why; what the realistic trade-offs are for your eyes; and who to call out of hours. See our fuller checklist of questions to ask a surgeon.

How soon can surgery be booked?

Typically two to four weeks after the assessment, allowing time for you to consider the plan without pressure.

Is a second opinion reasonable?

Always. We provide second opinions regularly and encourage them if you feel uncertain.

Do I have to decide on the day?

No, and you should be suspicious of any incentive designed to make you.

What happens between consultation and surgery?

You receive your written plan and quote, a consent discussion, and pre-operative instructions. Any additional scans or medical checks are arranged during this window.

Ask us your own question

Every eye is different, and a general answer is never a substitute for your own scans. Ms Tahmina Pearsall is an NHS Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with over 40,000 procedures performed, offering consultant-led private cataract surgery, lens replacement and laser eye surgery across 17 UK clinic locations. You can check current fixed prices, read patient reviews or book a consultation.

This article is general information written by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon and does not replace an individual examination.