The team of Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmic Surgeons attached to the Blackrock Health eye clinics are highly respected well-established consultants, registered as Specialists by the Irish Medical Council.
Our practicing Eye Surgeons and Ophthalmologists are trained to treat a wide range of ophthalmic conditions. They are affiliated with other Irish facilities specialising in eye care such as the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, The Royal College of Surgeons, and Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. The eye surgeons have collectively performed many thousands of procedures such as Laser Eye surgeries, cataracts, Glaucoma, and other Corneal Surgical procedures.
Ophthalmology at Blackrock Health
Our highly experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons and Ophthalmologists work closely with our dedicated clinical eye teams to ensure the delivery of the highest standard of care to our patients. All procedures are audited, and the consultants meet regularly to discuss case studies or challenging surgical procedures so that their collective expertise and experience is shared.
Our consultants attend Ophthalmic conferences globally to ensure that their skills and knowledge levels are up to date and on par with the centres of eye care excellence throughout the world.
Blackrock Health Ophthalmology Department has the expertise and the equipment to treat patients with a wide range of vision impairment, including:
Age-related macular degeneration
Cataract
Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus
Diabetic retinopathy
Glaucoma
Intraocular Lens Exchange
Laser eye surgery, to correct short & long-sightedness and astigmatism
PTK
Strabismus
Why I might be referred
Disorders affecting the eye can lead to a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include blurry vision, loss of vision and sensitivity to bright lights. This may mean that you find it difficult to see, drive, read, or have other lifestyle impediments. You may be referred to a Blackrock Health hospital eye clinic by your GP or optician if you have tried other forms of treatment and are not seeing results.
Our specialist team
Ophthalmic nurses
Ophthalmic surgeons
Ophthalmologists
Optometrists
Paediatric Ophthalmologists
Reasons for accessing ophthalmology services
Blurring of vision
Diabetic eye disease
Difficulty seeing at night
Double vision
Eye strain
Sensitivity to light
Eye Clinics at Blackrock Health
Blackrock Health’s hospital-based eye clinics coordinate patients with consultants and provide diagnostic outpatient services, such as:
A Scan
Fluorescein Angiogram
OCT Scan
Pentacam
Visual Assessment for Laser Eye Surgery
Some of the frequent eye conditions and treatment options available at Blackrock Health
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
If you are concerned that you or your child may have amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, you may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment. Amblyopia is a condition where one eye does not develop properly and does not work as well as the other. This can cause problems with vision, including blurred or double vision, difficulty judging depth, and problems with fine motor skills like handwriting. If left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
Find out more: Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) at Blackrock Health
Cataract Treatment
If you are struggling with your eyesight because of cataracts, you may need to be referred to a hospital for cataract surgery. Cataracts are a common eye problem, especially as you get older. They happen when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy and affects your vision. You might notice changes like blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, or colours appearing less bright. It can be frustrating and impact your quality of life, but cataract surgery can help improve your vision and restore your independence.
Find out more about: Cataract Treatment at Blackrock Health
Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus
If you are experiencing problems with your vision, such as blurriness or sensitivity to light, you may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist at a hospital for diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus. Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. It can cause the cornea to become thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, which can affect your vision and cause discomfort.
Find out more: Corneal Cross Linking for Keratoconus at Blackrock Health
Diabetic eye disease
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye conditions that can affect individuals with diabetes. These conditions are primarily caused by prolonged high levels of blood sugar, which can damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The main types of diabetic eye disease include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema and glaucoma. Some of our consultants specialise in diseases of the retina.
Laser Eye Surgery
If you are tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision, you may be a candidate for laser eye surgery, which can be performed by an ophthalmologist at a hospital. Laser eye surgery is a popular option for correcting vision problems such as near sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It works by reshaping the cornea of the eye to improve the way light is focused on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
Please follow this link to find out more: Laser Eye Surgery at Blackrock Health
Strabismus (Squint) Correction
If you are experiencing problems with your eye position, such as one eye turning in or out, you may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist at a hospital for diagnosis and treatment of strabismus. Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not line up properly and cannot focus on the same object at the same time. This can cause problems with depth perception and can affect your ability to see clearly. It can result in your brain "turning off " the message from one eye, and loss of vision in that eye (amblyopia).
Follow this link to find out more: Strabismus (Squint) Correction at Blackrock Health
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health ophthalmology services easily with a referral letter from your GP or optician and can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. We have dedicated eye clinics and day unit beds. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
FAQ's about ophthalmology
At Blackrock Health Private Hospitals in Dublin and Galway, we understand that a visit to our ophthalmology facility can be a stressful experience, filled with uncertainty for you and your loved ones.
To help ease your concerns and provide clear information, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions specific to our ophthalmology services. Our goal is to care for our patients and to make your visit as smooth and reassuring as possible, ensuring you receive the support you require, both promptly and efficiently.
When should I see an ophthalmologist?
You should see an ophthalmologist if you experience any changes in your vision, eye discomfort, pain, redness, or if you have a family history of eye disease. Regular eye examinations are also recommended, especially for individuals over 40 or those with risk factors for eye conditions.
What does an eye exam involve?
An eye exam typically includes several tests to assess your vision, eye health, and overall eye function. This may include visual acuity testing, refraction assessment, intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry), examination of the retina and optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy), and evaluation of eye movements and coordination.
What common eye conditions do ophthalmologists treat?
Ophthalmologists treat a wide range of eye conditions, including refractive errors (such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal detachment, dry eye syndrome, and eye infections.
What treatments do ophthalmologists offer?
Ophthalmologists provide various treatment options depending on the condition diagnosed. These may include prescribing corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses), medications (such as eye drops or ointments), laser therapy (for conditions like glaucoma or retinal disorders), and surgical interventions (such as cataract surgery, LASIK, or retinal surgery).
What is LASIK surgery, and am I a candidate for it?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure used to correct refractive errors and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. It reshapes the cornea using a laser to improve vision. Whether you are a candidate for LASIK depends on factors such as your age, eye health, and refractive error.
How can I protect my eye health?
To maintain good eye health, it is essential to have regular eye examinations, maintain a healthy lifestyle (including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking), protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses, practice proper eye hygiene, and follow safety precautions at work and during sports activities.
At what age should children have their first eye exam?
Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist at around 6 months of age. Subsequent exams are recommended at age 3, before starting school, and periodically throughout childhood and adolescence to detect and address any vision problems early.
Can eye problems affect overall health?
Yes, certain eye conditions can be associated with systemic health issues. For example, diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, and hypertension can lead to retinal blood vessel changes. Regular eye exams can sometimes detect underlying health conditions before symptoms appear.
Please note that we do not offer an emergency service for eye health issues. If you have the following symptoms, you should call 112 or 999:
Sudden or severe eye pain
- Loss of sight
- Lots of flashing lights
- Chemicals in your eye
- Severe eye trauma
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP, optician or consultant before you make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
