Your First Appointment, Made Simple
If you’re planning your first visit to London Eye & Retina, welcome. We understand that visiting a specialist eye clinic for the first time can come with questions and uncertainty. This guide is here to help you feel prepared and confident every step of the way.
From registration to consultation and follow-up, our team is committed to making your experience as smooth, informative, and personalised as possible.
What to Bring
To help us serve you better, please bring the following on the day of your appointment:
- NRIC or passport (for identification)
- Referral letter, if you were referred by a GP or another specialist
- Past medical reports or imaging (if applicable)
- Current glasses or contact lenses
- Medication list, including any eye drops or supplements
- Insurance card or guarantee letter (if using corporate or health insurance)
If your child is visiting, feel free to bring a toy, book, or comfort item to make their time with us more comfortable.
Upon Arrival
Our reception team will help you check in and guide you through the registration process. You’ll be asked to fill in a brief health questionnaire to give your doctor an overview of your:
- Eye and general medical history
- Current symptoms or concerns
- Medication or allergy history
- Lifestyle habits relevant to vision (e.g. screen time, outdoor exposure, driving needs)
We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early for your appointment to allow time for registration.
What to Expect During the Eye Exam
Your first visit typically includes:
- Vision testing and preliminary eye scans
- Refraction assessment (to determine glasses prescription)
- Intraocular pressure check (important for glaucoma screening)
- Dilated eye exam (to thoroughly examine the retina and optic nerve)
- Consultation with your eye specialist to review findings and discuss next steps
Depending on your reason for visiting, additional tests like OCT scans, corneal topography, or retinal imaging may be recommended.
Tip: If your eyes are dilated during the exam, your near vision may be blurred for a few hours. You may want to bring sunglasses and avoid driving afterward.
How Long Will the Visit Take?
Most first-time consultations take between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your condition and whether additional tests are needed.
We strive to keep wait times short, but appreciate your patience should delays occur, especially in cases involving complex care or emergencies.
Insurance and Payment
London Eye & Retina accepts:
- Private paying patients
- Corporate panels and insurance plans (subject to eligibility)
- Medisave (for eligible procedures)
Our staff can assist you with claim forms, pre-authorisation, and payment-related enquiries. For planned procedures, cost estimates and financial counselling can be provided in advance.
After Your Visit
Before you leave, you will receive:
- A summary of your diagnosis and recommended treatment plan
- Prescriptions (if needed)
- Instructions on eye drop use or post-visit care
- A follow-up appointment if required
If further referral or coordination with another specialist is needed, our clinic will assist in facilitating that process.
Questions Are Always Welcome
We encourage you to ask questions during your visit. Whether you’re unsure about a diagnosis, a procedure, or what to expect next, our team is here to guide and support you.
Book Your First Visit
Whether you're coming in for a routine eye check, a second opinion, or to explore treatment options, your first visit is the start of your personalised eye care journey with us.
