Vision & Refractive Errors | Keratoconus | Cataract Surgery
Consultation Process
Below is an overview of the consultation process for new patients at Viewpoint Vision Services Ltd.
Viewpoint Vision is a Consultant led clinic. At Viewpoint Vision, we recognise that it is of paramount importance that anyone considering corrective eye surgery should be sure in knowing they are being given the best possible advice and are confident in knowing they are in safe, professional hands. Therefore, before any treatment decisions are made, all prospective patients are given a comprehensive and unhurried, face to face consultation during which their needs are expertly assessed and all possible options are fully explored.
The consultation is with a Consultant Ophthalmic surgeon with specialists trained in Cornea and Laser Refractive Surgery and/or other specialities such as Glaucoma and Oculoplastics. The consultant will get to know your needs so that he/she can work towards achieving your goals and you will be able to gain confidence in your surgery and aftercare process. We therefore do not offer a ‘zoom’ or ‘video’ or ‘tele’ consultation as offered by some ‘high street clinics’.
Booking a Consultation
​​Booking a consultation at Viewpoint Vision is easy. You can click on the website to send us a request or you can call us directly on 01744 646643. Please leave your correct telephone no. to call you back and a time that suits you so that we can call you at your convenience. Consultations are generally available on most working days but also out of hours on a limited basis. However we generally do not offer weekend consultations.
Prior to Consultation
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After booking your appointment, you will receive an email confirmation (please check your spam folder) of your appointment together with a hard copy in the post. A registration form and vision questionnaire will be attached to the email. Please fill this in before your arrival and bring it along with you to the consultation.
If you have any glasses prescription, however old, then please do bring these along with you for the consultation.
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Contact Lenses
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For Vision Correction appointments (Laser Eye Surgery, Laser Lens Replacement, Implantable Contact Lens), your contact lenses will need to be removed prior to attending your appointment. For soft contact lenses please remove 7 days prior, or hard contact lenses 2 weeks prior.
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Driving
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As part of the consultation and assessment we will dilate your pupils, and therefore your eyesight will be blurred for a couple of hours. Therefore we do not advise you to drive for at least 2 hours after the drops. If you are unaccompanied then you may have to wait for 2 hours before you can drive.
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Duration of your consultation
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New patient consultations can take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the eye condition and requirement for investigations, so please make sure you have allowed enough time to get the most out of your consultation.
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Your consultation​
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On arrival at your consultation you will be greeted by our friendly reception team. They will take check details from you and check your registration form. You will then be asked to wait in our lounge.
Your Specialist Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon will then introduce themselves and guide you through the assessment and consultation. They will initially spend a few minutes explaining what is going to happen to allay any anxieties you might have. You will be asked some questions about what has prompted you to book a consultation and what you’re hoping to achieve. If you have brought someone with you for support they are welcome to join your consultation. It is perfectly normal to have a lot of questions and feel a bit nervous during the consultation process so we encourage you to ask as many questions as you want to any member of our team.
Once we have ascertained a brief history your consultant will undertake a full evaluation of your vision (eye test), corneal mapping and assessment of the aberrations of your eye and its various parts, a test for dry eyes measurement of eye pressure, corneal thickness (pachymetry) a scan of the back of your eyes (OCT) to check the health of your retina and thorough assessment of your eyes on the microscope (slit lamp). More detailed assessment may be needed if indicated by these initial tests.
Your surgeon will provide you with information about your treatment options and make recommendations as to the best treatment for your particular eyes. The benefits and risks will be discussed to allow you to make a fully informed decision.
You will have ample opportunity to ask any questions and discuss your surgery, your choices, your aftercare and recovery, etc. You will be provided with the costs of the procedure and if you decide to proceed further, a convenient date for your surgery will be offered together with a package of documents such as Consent and Terms of Business, etc. to be read in advance. You are welcome to ring anytime if you have further queries at home. To secure your preferred date for a procedure a refundable deposit will be required. If you are not suitable for surgery, we will explain why.​​
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Insured patients​
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Please note insurance companies typically do not cover vision correction consultations or procedures.
Whilst we can assist you in making a claim, you are ultimately liable for all fees incurred. To assist you in your claim, please contact your insurer ahead of time to obtain written authorisation for your consultation and procedure.
Some of our other treatments
Laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery may help with conditions including short-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries performed today. It is quick, safe and a great investment to improve the quality of your life.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder of the eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape than its normal gradual curve.
Magnifying implant
A vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery to treat various problems with the retina and vitreous. Your surgeon will remove your vitreous and replace it with another solution.