If you have concerns about your eye health, treatment or care, the best advice will come from the healthcare professionals involved in your care.
You may wish to contact:
- your ophthalmologist or hospital eye clinic
- your GP
- your optometrist (optician)
- NHS 111
- your local Accident and Emergency (A&E) department if your condition is urgent
You can also find general information about eye conditions from trusted organisations, including the NHS, RNIB and specialist patient charities.
We can
- provide information about the role of ophthalmologists
- explain how eye care services work
- signpost you to trusted information and support organisations
- provide information about the College and its work
We cannot
- provide medical advice
- diagnose eye conditions
- recommend treatments
- assess symptoms by phone or email
- recommend individual doctors, clinics or hospitals
- investigate complaints about patient care
An ophthalmologist is a medically qualified doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions, including surgery.
For NHS care, you will usually need a referral from your GP or optometrist.
We cannot recommend individual ophthalmologists, clinics or hospitals. Your GP or optometrist can help you identify appropriate services based on your needs.
If you are unhappy with the care you have received, you should contact the organisation that provided your treatment.
Most NHS organisations have a formal complaints process and can also provide support through the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
The College is not a regulator and cannot investigate complaints about doctors, clinics or hospitals.
Different professionals play different roles in eye care.
Ophthalmologists
Medically qualified doctors who diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries, prescribe medicines and perform surgery.
Optometrists
Primary eye care professionals who examine eyes, provide vision advice and treatment where appropriate, and prescribe glasses or contact lenses.
Orthoptists
Specialists who diagnose and manage vision problems and eye movement disorders, particularly in children.
Dispensing opticians
Registered healthcare professionals who advise on, fit and supply spectacle frames and lenses.
You may find support and information from:
- NHS
- RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)
- Macular Society
- International Glaucoma Association
- Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
- NHS 111