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Ophthalmologist

ophthalmologist, eye specialist, eye doctor
An ophthalmologist is a medical specialist who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery of eye conditions and diseases. You need a referral from your GP to see an ophthalmologist.
Eye care

What is an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist, also known as an eye doctor, is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats eye conditions. After completing their medical degree, an ophthalmologist undertakes several years of specialist training in ophthalmology.

An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders and inflammation. An ophthalmologist also performs operations, such as cataract surgery, laser treatments and other ophthalmic procedures. In addition, an ophthalmologist prescribes prescription eye drops and medicines when necessary.

You usually need a referral from your GP to see an ophthalmologist. In some cases, you may also be referred to an ophthalmologist by your optician or optometrist, for example if an eye test reveals signs that require further investigation.

When should you see an ophthalmologist?

You should see an ophthalmologist if you have an eye condition or symptom that requires medical attention. This may be the case with sudden or severe symptoms, but also with chronic eye conditions that require regular monitoring.

Common reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist

  • Sudden changes in your vision, such as flashes of light, floating spots or a shadow in your field of vision
  • Painful, red or inflamed eyes that do not improve
  • Monitoring and treatment of chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration
  • Preparing for or recovering from eye surgery
  • Assessment of eye injury or trauma
  • Check-ups for diabetes, as diabetes can damage the retina
  • If your optician or GP notices something that requires further investigation

The difference between an optician and an optometrist

An optician or optometrist can help you with eye tests, fitting glasses or contact lenses, and identifying any abnormalities. In the case of medical eye conditions, or when treatment or surgery is required, an optician or optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist.

If you have any eye problems or are unsure whether something is normal, always have it assessed by your optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Frequently asked questions

An optician or optometrist measures your eyes, fits glasses and contact lenses, and identifies any abnormalities. An ophthalmologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses, treats and operates on eye conditions. For medical eye conditions or surgery, you will need to see an ophthalmologist; for an eye test or new lenses, you can visit an optician.

Yes, in most cases you’ll need a referral from your GP to see an ophthalmologist. Sometimes you can also be referred via your optician or optometrist. Without a referral, a visit to the ophthalmologist is usually not covered by your health insurance.

See an ophthalmologist if you experience sudden or severe symptoms such as pain, flashes of light, sudden loss of vision or persistent red eyes. You will also be referred to an ophthalmologist in the case of chronic eye conditions, for a post-operative check-up, or if your optician identifies something that requires further investigation. Your optician can advise you on this.

An ophthalmologist can determine your prescription and issue a prescription for contact lenses, but most people have their lenses fitted and adjusted by an optician or optometrist. In the case of certain medical eye conditions or complex lens fittings, an ophthalmologist may be involved in the choice of contact lenses.

Author & updates

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Publication date: 13 July 2026
Last updated: 13 July 2026