What to Expect at Your Eye Surgery Consultation

We understand that booking an eye surgery consultation can feel like a big step — perhaps even a daunting one. You may be uncertain about what will happen, worried about what the tests involve, or anxious about whether surgery is the right decision. These feelings are entirely normal, and we want you to feel informed and reassured before you arrive.

Your consultation at K Vision Centre will typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. This allows sufficient time for comprehensive diagnostic testing, a thorough examination by Miss Tina Khanam, and an unhurried conversation about your options. We never rush consultations because getting the diagnosis and treatment recommendation right is the foundation of a successful outcome.

The assessment begins with a series of non-invasive diagnostic tests performed by our clinical team. These typically include an autorefraction and visual acuity test (reading letters on a chart), corneal topography and tomography (mapping the shape and thickness of your cornea), wavefront aberrometry (measuring how light travels through your eye), and optical biometry (measuring the length and dimensions of your eye). If you are being assessed for cataract or lens surgery, additional measurements of your lens and retina will be taken.

One important preparation point: if you wear contact lenses, you will need to remove them before your appointment — soft lenses for at least three days, and rigid gas-permeable lenses for at least two weeks. Contact lenses temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, and accurate corneal measurements require your cornea to have returned to its natural shape.

After the diagnostic tests, Miss Khanam will personally examine your eyes using a slit-lamp biomicroscope, which provides a magnified view of the cornea, iris, lens, and other structures. She will also assess your tear film quality and, where indicated, dilate your pupils to examine the retina and optic nerve. Pupil dilation causes temporary light sensitivity and blurred near vision for a few hours, so we recommend arranging transport home rather than driving yourself.

Following the examination, Miss Khanam will sit with you to explain her findings, discuss whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery, and — if so — recommend the most appropriate procedure for your eyes and lifestyle. She will explain the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes clearly and honestly. If surgery is not advisable for any reason, she will tell you directly and explain why.

You are encouraged to bring a list of questions. Common questions include: "What results can I realistically expect?", "What are the risks specific to my eyes?", "How long will recovery take?", and "What happens if I need an enhancement?" There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your eyesight.

The consultation fee at K Vision Centre is fully redeemable against the cost of any treatment — so if you proceed with surgery, the consultation is effectively free. There is never any obligation or pressure to proceed. Many patients take days or weeks to make their decision, and we are happy to answer follow-up questions by phone or email.

Book your consultation at our Harley Street, Spire Gatwick Park, or Spire St Anthony's clinic. Call 020 3488 2084 or use our online booking form to arrange a convenient appointment.