Internationally renowned ophthalmology specialists providing private care

Our team of ophthalmology specialists at St Thomas’ Hospital have an international reputation for delivering quality eye care, from routine cataract surgeries to the most complex vitreoretinal diseases. Patients seen in our unit have access to some of the most innovative procedures in the country, led by expert consultants with a history of developing new surgical techniques. Learn more from Professor Roger Wong, our consultant vitreo retinal and ophthalmic surgeon at St Thomas’ Hospital. 

Comprehensive range of treatments for eye conditions 

Our specialists commonly perform the following procedures for private patients within the ophthalmology department at St Thomas’ Hospital: 

• cataract surgery 
• blepharoplasty 
• glaucoma surgery 
• vitrectomy for retinal detachment 

In addition to offering these treatments, our ophthalmology consultants can also perform specialised procedures, including: 

• corneal grafts 
• injections for macular degeneration 
• injections for diabetic retinopathy 
• dacryocystorhinostomy for blocked tear ducts 

“We’re proud to offer private patients in our unit a very comprehensive service,” explains Professor Wong. “Aside from cancer in the eye, our team covers everything here, without having to refer patients to other providers. We receive patients from Moorfields Eye Hospital and King’s College Hospital, with specialists relying on the expertise of our consultants, our infrastructure, ITU and comprehensive emergency services.” 

Cataract surgery to restore clear vision 

With over 300,000 cataract surgeries performed annually in the UK, it’s the most common procedure we offer to private patients at St Thomas’ ophthalmology department. As a leading centre handling many of the region’s cases, our specialists provide exceptional expertise backed by extensive experience. 

Additionally, private patients have the opportunity to upgrade their choice of artificial lens from a standard clear lens. For example, they can choose a multifocal and toric astigmatism correcting lenses to provide good vision at all distances, eliminating the need for reading glasses, rather than just having a standard clear lens implanted, which focuses only at a single distance. 

Further to this, patients can choose their own surgeon and benefit from the lower complication rates that come with private cataract care. Our team at St Thomas’ are also proud to offer a direct contact number for patients to use in the days following their cataract surgery, providing a more personalised experience with close observation and care.

Blepharoplasty and other eyelid surgeries 

Blepharoplasty, often known as eyelid surgery, is used to remove excess skin from the eyelid, tighten drooping eyelids, or to remove lesions or cysts from the eyelid. Some patients seeking private eyelid surgery do so to improve any discomfort and vision problems that may be caused by these conditions, while other patients refer themselves for cosmetic reasons. 

Our ophthalmology specialists at St Thomas’ offer several types of eyelid surgery, including: 

• blepharoplasty (cosmetic surgery) 
• entropion and ectropion repair 
• lesion excision 
• ptosis (tightening the upper lid muscle) 
• reconstructive surgery following cancer removal 
• surgery for watery eyes (tightening the eyelid) 

“We have the facilities and the expertise in the department to offer all of these surgeries privately,” says Professor Wong. “The majority of these procedures are performed on a day case basis, with patients discharged on the same day to recover in the comfort of their own homes.”

Trabeculectomy to treat glaucoma 

Glaucoma is a condition whereby the eye’s pressure builds up, gradually causing damage to the optic nerve, and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Trabeculectomy is the most common type of surgery to treat glaucoma. The procedure involves the ophthalmic surgeon creating a small blister within the sclera, which the eye’s excess fluid drains into. This reduces the eye’s pressure and works well for patients who have a blocked eye drainage system, preventing fluid from draining naturally, therefore causing pressure to build. 

Our consultants at St Thomas’ offer trabeculectomy as a day surgery, and we’re proud to offer a full range of treatment options for glaucoma. “Our team can also offer laser treatment and other types of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries,” explains Professor Wong. “For less advanced cases of glaucoma, we may suggest eye drops as a non-surgical form of treatment, and we’ll provide patients with ongoing care to monitor their condition closely.”

Vitrectomy for retinal detachment   

Retinal detachment is a condition requiring urgent treatment, where the retina separates from the inside of the eye, leading to blindness if left untreated. Affecting 10-15 per 100,000 people in the UK each year, it’s one of the most common eye emergencies. 

“The longer the detachment is left untreated, the greater the risk of permanent vision loss is,” warns Professor Wong. “Depending on the extent of the retinal detachment, the patient should ideally have treatment within 48 hours of symptoms appearing for the best chance of preserving their vision.” 

Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure used to repair retinal detachments, and it can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the vitreous jelly from the patient’s eye, creating a space to insert a bubble of gas or silicone oil. The bubble pushes the retina against the back of the eye again, allowing it to heal in place.  

“Given the urgency of retinal detachment treatment, our specialists will advise on prompt treatment to improve the chances of visual recovery,” explains Professor Wong.

Get in touch

If you would like to learn more about the treatments our ophthalmology specialists can offer in our dedicated unit at St Thomas’ Hospital, please contact our customer services team for further information.