OPHTHALMOLOGY · London
General Ophthalmology in London
Assessment and treatment of everyday eye problems, from a red or painful eye to sudden floaters or blurred vision. Every patient is seen personally by Mr Ahmad Aziz, Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Quick Answer
General ophthalmology covers the assessment and treatment of everyday eye problems, from a red or painful eye to blurred vision or sudden floaters and flashes. Consultations take place in clinic, with same-week appointments available and sooner for urgent symptoms. Most problems are diagnosed at the first visit, with a smaller number needing further tests or referral to a specific specialist. Mr Ahmad Aziz, Consultant Ophthalmologist, sees every patient personally.
Ready to find out if general ophthalmology is right for you?
Eyelid assessment £195 · Ophthalmic consultation £350
Mr. Ahmad Aziz · Consultant Ophthalmologist & Oculoplastic Surgeon · FRCOphth · GMC Specialist Register · 4.9★ · 80+ verified patients
What is general ophthalmology?
General ophthalmology covers the everyday problems that bring most people to see an eye doctor: a red eye, eye pain, blurred vision, or a sudden change like floaters or flashes of light. Not every symptom needs urgent attention, and not every change in your vision is a sign of something serious, but a proper assessment is the only reliable way to know which is which.
As a consultant ophthalmologist in London, Mr Ahmad Aziz examines the whole eye rather than just the part that’s bothering you, and knows when a symptom that looks minor actually needs same-day attention. Commonly seen conditions include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eye, watery eye, and sudden visual disturbance, alongside the full range of eyelid and eye conditions covered on our general eye conditions page.
Every case at Eyes Defined is assessed, planned, and, where treatment is needed, managed personally by Mr Aziz, at King Edward VII’s Hospital and the Western Eye Hospital in London.
Who is a good candidate?
Not everyone with an eye symptom needs to be seen urgently. Many mild symptoms settle on their own, and working out which ones don’t is a large part of general ophthalmology. Our guide on distinguishing similar-looking eye symptoms shows how easily two different conditions can be mistaken for each other. A proper assessment is the only reliable way to know which applies to you.
You may be a candidate if…
- Your eye has been red, sore, or watering for more than a few days
- You notice sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision
- Your vision has become blurred and hasn't improved
- A symptom keeps recurring and hasn't been properly explained
What results can you expect?
1
A clear diagnosis
Your symptoms are properly assessed, so you know what you’re actually dealing with.
2
An honest management plan
Treatment, monitoring, or reassurance, whichever is genuinely appropriate for your case.
3
The right next step
Prompt referral to a specific specialist, if that’s what your case needs.
What patients say about general ophthalmology
“Mr Aziz was very clear and precise. I understand everything.”
Verified Patient · Doctify
“Dr Aziz provides exceptional care and truly listens to his patients. His service is professional, and I highly recommend him for his expertise and compassion.”
Verified Patient · Doctify
“The whole process was positive and the communication was on point. He made me feel very comfortable and welcome, understood my needs, didn’t judge me. An overall experience was excellent, I would recommend him to anyone, fantastic surgeon and team.”
Verified Patient · Doctify
What happens at your consultation?
1
Introduction
A conversation about your symptoms, how long they’ve been present, and what’s been tried already.
2
Assessment
A full eye examination, including any tests needed to reach a diagnosis.
3
Options discussion
Treatment, monitoring, or referral, explained honestly.
4
Your plan
A clear next step, agreed before you leave.
Specialist consultation
£195
Redeemable against your procedure
- King Edward VII's Hospital, London W1G 6AA
- 45 minutes, unhurried
- Virtual consultations available for out-of-town patients
How general ophthalmology works.
1
Booking
Same-week appointments are available, sooner if your symptoms need urgent attention.
2
Consultation
A conversation about your symptoms and relevant medical history.
3
Examination
A full eye examination, including any tests needed to reach a diagnosis.
4
Your Plan
Treatment, monitoring, or referral, explained clearly before you leave.
Recovery and aftercare.
Most symptoms are explained and treated at the first appointment, so there’s often nothing to recover from beyond finishing any prescribed drops or ointment. Where tests are needed, results are usually available within a few days.
If you’re referred on for a specific procedure or a specialist opinion, that referral is made directly and followed up, rather than left for you to chase.
Same day
Your diagnosis and management plan are explained before you leave.
Within a week
Any test results are reviewed and next steps confirmed.
Ongoing
Follow-up is arranged only if your condition needs monitoring.
Risks and safety.
General ophthalmology is largely low-risk, but there are still things worth understanding before your appointment.
- Temporary blurred vision — from dilating drops used during examination; settles within a few hours.
- Light sensitivity — also from dilating drops; sunglasses are provided if needed.
- Delayed diagnosis — the main risk of not being seen; some conditions worsen without timely assessment.
- Missed underlying cause — a symptom treated without finding the actual cause can recur.
- Uncertainty — addressed directly at consultation rather than left unexplained.
- Rarely, urgent referral needed — a small number of presentations need same-day hospital referral, arranged immediately.
Sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow across your vision should always be assessed within 24 hours, not monitored at home. Our guide on eye twitching and other sudden symptoms covers this in more detail.
Cost, insurance, and payment.
Self-pay
Transparent fixed pricing
A general ophthalmology consultation at Eyes Defined costs £195. Any further tests, treatment, or procedures are costed separately and explained before you agree to them. Full details are on our prices page, and our guide to NHS versus private eye care covers how the two pathways compare.
Insurance
Recognised by major insurers
General ophthalmology consultations are commonly recognised by major UK insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality. Cover depends on your individual policy, and this is confirmed before your appointment where possible.
A GP referral isn’t required to book a consultation.
Referrals: GP, optometrist and consultant referrals welcome. A formal referral letter is not always required for self-pay patients — call to check.
Your surgeon.
Mr. Ahmad Aziz
Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon
Mr. Aziz performs general ophthalmology at King Edward VII’s Hospital and the Western Eye Hospital. He is consultant-led at every step — every assessment, plan and follow-up is his own.
- BSc(Hons) MBBS MPH(HSR) MRSC(Eng) FRCOphth
- Head of Specialty, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- GMC Specialist Register
- NHS Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Fellow, Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS)
Frequently asked questions.
What does a general ophthalmologist do?
What's the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat eye disease and perform surgery. An optometrist, usually found at a high street opticians, tests vision and prescribes glasses, and refers on when something needs medical attention.
Do I need a GP referral to see Mr Aziz?
How quickly can I be seen for an urgent eye problem?
Same-week appointments are available, and urgent symptoms such as sudden floaters, flashes, or vision loss are prioritised for same-day assessment.
What conditions does general ophthalmology cover?
Common presentations include red eye, conjunctivitis, dry eye, watery eye, blepharitis, eye pain, and blurred or disturbed vision. Anything requiring surgery is planned as a separate, specific procedure.
Will my eyes be dilated at the appointment?
Sometimes, if a proper view of the back of the eye is needed. Dilating drops cause temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity for a few hours, so it’s worth arranging a lift home if this applies to you.
Is a general ophthalmology consultation covered by insurance?
Often, yes. Cover depends on your individual policy, and this is confirmed before your appointment where possible.
What happens if I need a specific procedure?
If your assessment identifies a condition needing surgery, such as a chalazion, cataract, or eyelid problem, this is planned as a separate procedure with its own consultation and pricing.
When should sudden vision changes be treated as an emergency?
Sudden floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or curtain across your vision, or sudden vision loss should be assessed within 24 hours rather than monitored at home.
Your First Step Is a Conversation.
Book a specialist consultation. Ask every question. Leave with clarity — whether or not surgery is right for you.
Eyelid assessment £195 · Ophthalmic consultation £350
At no stage are you expected to proceed with treatment. Many people use this process simply to gain clarity or reassurance.