Consultant Ophthalmologist in the UK
Ms Tahmina Pearsall is one of the UK's most experienced consultant ophthalmologists — with over 40,000 procedures across cataract, glaucoma, laser vision correction and lens replacement surgery. Private consultations at 17 clinics nationwide, from London and Harley Street to Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medically qualified eye doctor and surgeon — trained to diagnose, treat and operate on the full spectrum of eye disease. In the UK, a consultant ophthalmologist has completed at least 7 years of specialist training after medical school and holds Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth). Unlike an optometrist or optician, a consultant ophthalmologist can prescribe medication, perform surgery and manage complex conditions including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular disease and cataracts.
Private ophthalmologist appointments across the UK
Same-week consultations in London (Harley Street), Birmingham, Manchester, Guildford, Brighton, Edinburgh and 12 more locations. All consultations are led personally by Ms Pearsall — never delegated to a trainee — with same-visit OCT, visual fields and corneal topography where clinically indicated. You will always leave with a clear diagnosis, a written treatment plan and a copy sent to your GP or optometrist.
Conditions and surgery we treat
Cataract surgery (standard, premium lens and complex), YAG laser capsulotomy, laser vision correction (LASIK, LASEK, PRK), refractive lens exchange, glaucoma diagnosis and surgery, diabetic eye screening, dry eye, blepharitis, floaters, macular assessment and second opinions after treatment elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions about ophthalmologists in the UK
What does an ophthalmologist do?
An ophthalmologist is a doctor and surgeon specialising in the eye. They diagnose eye disease, prescribe medication and perform surgery — from cataract and glaucoma procedures to laser vision correction and lens replacement.
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist and an optician in the UK?
An optician dispenses glasses and contact lenses. An optometrist is a primary-care eye professional who tests sight, checks eye health and prescribes glasses. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and eye surgeon on the GMC specialist register who can diagnose disease, prescribe medication and operate.
How do I see a private ophthalmologist in the UK?
You can self-refer directly to Ms Pearsall — no GP referral is required for a private consultation. Appointments are usually available within the same week at any of our 17 UK clinics, including Harley Street in London.
How much does a private ophthalmologist appointment cost in the UK?
A private consultation with Ms Pearsall typically costs £250–£350 and includes a full slit-lamp examination, any imaging clinically indicated (OCT, corneal topography, visual fields) and a written report. Insured patients are covered by all major UK insurers.
Do I need a GP referral to see an ophthalmologist privately?
No — a GP referral is not required for a private ophthalmology appointment in the UK. Some insurers do require a referral for reimbursement, so check with your provider before booking.
How do I find the best ophthalmologist near me in the UK?
Look for FRCOphth after their name (Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists), check they are on the GMC specialist register, confirm they hold an NHS consultant post and read independent reviews on Doctify or Trustpilot. Ms Pearsall meets all four criteria and holds over 100 five-star patient reviews.
Can an ophthalmologist treat glaucoma?
Yes. Consultant ophthalmologists diagnose glaucoma and manage it with eye drops, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and traditional glaucoma surgery. Ms Pearsall is a member of the UK & Ireland Society of Glaucoma Surgeons.
Which UK cities do you cover?
London (Harley Street), Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Guildford, Brighton, Southampton, Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cardiff.