★★★★★
Rated 5 stars on Doctify
A child's eye examination at Clinica London is much more than a routine sight test. Our specialist paediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists assess the full health and development of your child's visual system, from vision sharpness and the need for glasses, to eye alignment, eye movement, binocular vision, eyelid and corneal issues, droopy eyelid (ptosis) and the internal structures of the eye. Catching problems early makes a significant difference to outcomes.
Whether you have noticed something that concerns you, or your child has been referred by a GP or school nurse, our team will put both you and your child at ease from the moment you arrive. No GP referral is needed, you can book directly with us at any time.
Clinica London is a Care Quality Commission (CQC) Registered Clinic caring for children aged 0 – 18yrs.
Your child will be seen by a Consultant Ophthalmologist, a medically qualified eye specialist. They may also be assessed by one of our Consultant Orthoptists, who specialise in eye movement, alignment and binocular vision. Many appointments involve both, in the same visit.
A first appointment typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, allowing time for a thorough history, all relevant tests, dilating drops if needed, and a full discussion of findings with you. We never rush a child. Follow-up appointments are shorter once baseline assessments are complete.
We see children from birth. Our consultants are experienced at assessing babies and very young children who cannot yet respond verbally, using age-appropriate techniques that do not rely on letter charts.
Dilating drops are used when a full assessment of refraction or the back of the eye is required. We always explain why drops are needed and what to expect. After instilling the drops, they take around 20 to 30 minutes to dilate the pupils. Vision will be blurred and eyes will be sensitive to light for several hours, and this can last up to 24 hours in some children. Drops sting briefly and we have ways to help children manage this.
Not necessarily. We use a range of age-appropriate tests, including picture matching cards, Cardiff Acuity Cards and preferential looking tests for very young children, so every child can be accurately assessed regardless of age or developmental stage.
Please bring any previous glasses your child wears, relevant letters from your GP, optometrist or hospital, and anything that helps your child feel settled: a favourite toy, snack or comfort item is always welcome.
We understand that bringing a child to any medical appointment can feel daunting. Our team is experienced at working with children of all ages and temperaments, and your child's comfort and confidence come first throughout.
When you book, our team will let you know what to expect and answer any questions. Bringing previous eye notes or letters helps us build a picture before we start. There is no need to prepare your child in any particular way, simply let them know they are coming for an eye check.
Your child will be welcomed in a calm, child-friendly environment. The consultant will begin by talking with you about your concerns before examining your child. Where an orthoptic assessment is needed, this takes place at the same appointment. We work at your child's pace, there is no pressure, and breaks are taken whenever helpful.
If dilating drops are required, they take around 20 to 30 minutes to dilate the pupils, a good opportunity for a quiet activity or snack. The pupils will look wide and dark, enabling further examination of the back of the eye. The drops sting briefly. A topical anaesthetic drop can be used first to reduce discomfort.
Once all assessments are complete, the consultant will talk you through the findings clearly and without jargon. If glasses are recommended, a prescription will be given. You are very welcome to ask questions at any stage. We want you to leave feeling informed and confident about next steps.
If dilating drops were used, vision will remain blurred and eyes sensitive to light for several hours, and this can last up to 24 hours in some children. Sunglasses can help with light sensitivity during this time. A full written report will be sent to your GP or referring clinician, with a copy for your records.
Many children require follow-up appointments, for example to monitor the response to glasses, review a squint, carry out cycloplegic refraction with trial lenses, or check a developing condition. Our team will recommend a follow-up plan and reception will help you schedule appointments at a convenient time.
All fees are for private self-paying appointments at 140 Harley Street. A full fee breakdown will be provided at the time of booking. Fees vary depending on the consultant seen and the complexity of assessment required.
| Appointment | Fee |
|---|---|
| New patient consultation, Consultant Ophthalmologist (not including diagnostic tests) | £250–£450 |
| Orthoptic assessment (first appointment) | £150 |
| Combined consultant and orthoptist appointment | £450 |
| Follow-up appointment | £200–£350 |
| Cycloplegic refraction (dilating drops and full refraction assessment) | Included in consultation fee |
Specialist paediatric eye care at 140 Harley Street. No GP referral needed.
Book a consultationA comprehensive children's eye examination covers all aspects of your child's visual development and eye health. The specific tests used depend on your child's age and the reason for referral.
We measure how clearly your child can see at different distances, using tests matched to their age and ability, establishing whether there is any reduction in vision in one or both eyes.
We test whether your child needs glasses to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism. In young children this is done objectively using a retinoscope after pupil dilation, no verbal response needed.
Our orthoptists assess whether the eyes are working together and moving correctly in all directions, detecting squint (strabismus), eye movement disorders and binocular vision problems.
We assess how well your child uses both eyes together, including stereopsis (3D vision) and the ability to coordinate and focus at different distances.
The consultant examines the external and internal structures of the eye, including the eyelids, cornea, lens, retina and optic nerve, to check for any signs of eye disease or developmental abnormality.
Where clinically relevant, colour vision is tested using Ishihara plates or similar tests, often relevant for older children being assessed for educational or occupational reasons.
Eye problems in children present differently at different ages. Our team has specialist experience across the full paediatric age range, using techniques appropriate to each stage of development.
Assessment using preferential looking tests and Cardiff Acuity Cards, no verbal response needed. Dilating drops used routinely. Our paediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists are experienced in examining newborns and very young infants.
The critical window for treating amblyopia and squint. Picture-based vision tests, cover tests, orthoptic assessment and cycloplegic refraction are used as appropriate. Myopia management may be necessary at this age.
Standard visual acuity testing, full refraction, myopia assessment and investigation of eye health concerns. Increasingly presenting with screen-related eye strain and progressive short-sightedness.
Please contact us as soon as possible if your child has a sudden change in vision, a new or worsening squint, double vision, a white reflex visible in photos, eye pain, or any sudden change in eye appearance.
Same-day appointments are often available, and you will always be seen for urgent eye care concerns within 36 hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm). You can visit your local accident and emergency department out of hours. Find out more about urgent eye care →
Your child will be seen by a Consultant Ophthalmologist with specialist paediatric experience. Many appointments also involve our Consultant Orthoptists, who specialise in children's eye movement, alignment and binocular vision. All consultants are available privately at 140 Harley Street.
Oculoplastic, lacrimal and eyelid specialist, children from birth. Miss Olver is dual trained in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and in Adnexal Surgery which is eyelids, lacrimal and orbital conditions. Conditions treated: eyelid ptosis (droopy eyelid), chalazion, blepharitis, watery eyes from congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO), paediatric orbital disease, strabismus and amblyopia.
Childhood myopia specialist and paediatric corneal disease consultant. Sees children from age 6 for myopia management, corneal and external eye disease, and ocular allergy.
Specialist in paediatric inflammatory eye disease, including uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Experienced in complex imaging and monitoring of children with chronic eye inflammation.
Specialist in inherited retinal diseases from birth upwards. Internationally recognised expert in genetic eye conditions affecting children and young people.
Sees all general ophthalmology and eyelid or ocular surface problems in children aged 11 years and older, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, ocular allergy and general eye problems.
All general ophthalmology and retinal problems for children aged 6 years and older.
Highly experienced retinal specialist.
Orthoptists specialise in the assessment and non-surgical management of eye movement disorders, squint and binocular vision problems in children. Our orthoptic team is central to paediatric eye care at Clinica London.
Specialist in paediatric orthoptic assessment and management, including squint, amblyopia, binocular vision disorders and vision testing in pre-verbal children. Paediatric ocular motility and stroke rehabilitation specialist.
Experienced in orthoptic assessment of children of all ages, including complex cases of eye movement disorder and post-surgical follow-up. Specialist in amblyopia, paediatric and adult orthoptics.
Specialist in children's binocular vision, orthoptic treatment and the assessment of nystagmus, amblyopia and strabismus. Specialist in paediatric, adult and neuro-orthoptics.
Our team will make your child's appointment as calm and comfortable as possible. No GP referral is needed, you can book directly here.
Book a consultationOur specialist paediatric eye team is here to assess, reassure and guide you, whatever your concern. Book a children's eye examination at Clinica London today.
Book a consultation
ENGLISH 
