What to expect, from first call to recovery.
A clear, simple guide to your consultation, anaesthesia options, the practicalities of surgery, and how I look after you afterwards.
From referral to plan.
Booking
Private consultations are arranged through my secretary, Gina Stacey, or via your GP/optician referral. I am recognised by Aviva, Alliance Healthcare and Vitality — insured patients should obtain pre-authorisation from their insurer before booking; self-pay fees are confirmed at booking.
Before the appointment
Please bring a list of your medications, any previous correspondence about your eyes, and your glasses. Bring a chaperone if you would like one — particularly if you may have your pupils dilated for examination.
During the consultation
Allow 30–45 minutes. After listening to your history, I will examine your eyelids and eyes (often using a slit-lamp microscope) and take photographs or measurements. I will explain my findings, answer your questions, and outline the options.
After the consultation
You will leave with a clear plan, written information about any procedures we have discussed, and a quote where appropriate. A clinic letter is sent to you and your referrer within a few days.
Three options. One that suits you.
Most eyelid surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, with or without sedation. We choose together based on your preference, the complexity of the procedure, and your general health.
Topical / local anaesthesia
Used for clinic procedures and for many minor eyelid operations. Anaesthetic drops or a small injection numb the area; you remain comfortable and aware throughout.
Local with sedation
A consultant anaesthetist gives intravenous medication to keep you relaxed while I perform surgery under local anaesthetic. Very common for blepharoplasty, ptosis surgery and lacrimal procedures.
General anaesthesia
Used for most orbital surgery, larger reconstructive procedures, paediatric surgery and patient preference. You meet your anaesthetist beforehand and are looked after throughout.
Pre-operative.
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before any surgery — it dramatically reduces healing complications.
- Discuss blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, DOACs) at your consultation. Most can be continued; some are best stopped 5–7 days beforehand.
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before surgery.
- Arrange someone to escort you home after sedation or general anaesthesia.
- Stock up on cool packs, simple painkillers (paracetamol), and preservative-free lubricating drops.
Post-operative.
- Apply cool packs (a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean cloth) to the eyelids for 10 minutes every hour while awake on day 1.
- Sleep with two pillows for the first week to reduce swelling.
- Use prescribed antibiotic ointment and lubricant drops as directed.
- Keep the area clean and dry; do not rub or pull on the eyelids.
- Avoid heavy lifting, swimming and contact sports for 2 weeks (or as advised).
- Photograph the eyelids each day so we can track your progress at the post-operative review.
“The aftercare was excellent, I always knew who to contact and exactly what to do. That made a real difference to how I felt about the whole process.”
Transparent pricing.
Self-pay fees are confirmed in writing at the time of booking. If you have private insurance with Aviva, Alliance Healthcare or Vitality, please discuss this with us when booking so we can confirm cover and pre-authorisation. NHS consultations and procedures at Queen Alexandra Hospital are arranged via your GP and have no charge to you.
- Initial private consultation £230
- Follow-up consultation £140
- Surgical Procedures Quoted individually - please enquire for more info.
Specific consultation and procedure fees are confirmed at the time of booking. Surgical fees are charged separately by the hospital.
How to get an appointment.
Speak to your GP or optometrist. They can refer you via the standard NHS pathway to the ophthalmology department at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth.
I am recognised by Aviva, Alliance Healthcare and Vitality for private ophthalmic care. You will need a referral letter from your GP and a pre-authorisation code from your insurer. Contact Gina to arrange your appointment.
A formal referral letter is helpful but not always essential. Contact us directly to discuss timings, fees and venue.
Make an enquiry.
Private consultations are arranged through Gina Stacey, my secretary. NHS appointments are by GP referral via Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
Use the secure enquiry form below — submissions are protected from automated spam.
NHS appointments at Queen Alexandra Hospital are arranged via your GP or optometrist through Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
For urgent eye problems please call NHS 111, attend the on-call eye casualty service, or call 999 if it is life-threatening.