Contact number: 020 7078 3831
About our Children’s Eye Clinic
Our paediatric ophthalmology team brings together experienced consultant eye surgeons with dedicated expertise in children’s vision and eye health. We understand how much parents rely on early, accurate diagnosis, and we work hard to provide clear answers and a straightforward treatment pathway from your very first appointment.
We treat children from infancy through to adolescence, and our consultants are experienced in communicating with young patients and their families with patience and care. All of our paediatric ophthalmologists hold senior NHS appointments and adhere to the highest clinical standards.
Eye conditions we treat in children
Our paediatric ophthalmologists diagnose and treat a broad range of childhood eye conditions, including:
- Squint (strabismus) – misalignment of the eyes
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal duct obstruction)
- Ptosis (droopy eyelid)
- Eyelid lumps, lesions and growths
- Childhood refractive errors (short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism)
- Eye infections and inflammation
- Concerns about vision development in infants and young children
Pediatric eye treatments and procedures
Squint correction
Squint (strabismus) is one of the most common eye conditions treated in children. It occurs when the eyes do not align correctly, causing one eye to turn inward, outward, upward or downward. Left untreated, a squint can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain begins to favour one eye over the other.
Treatment may include glasses, patching, or surgery to adjust the muscles that control eye movement. Our paediatric ophthalmologists will assess your child’s squint thoroughly and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Squint correction surgery is performed as a day case under general anaesthetic, and most children recover quickly.
Read Thea’s squint correction story below — a family’s experience of squint surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
Blocked tear duct treatment
Blocked tear ducts are common in newborns and young infants, causing persistent watering or stickiness of the eye. In many cases, the duct opens on its own within the first year of life. Where it does not, a simple outpatient procedure called probing and syringing can be performed to clear the blockage and restore normal tear drainage. Our consultants will advise on the right timing and approach for your child.
Ptosis (droopy eyelid) correction
Ptosis refers to a drooping of the upper eyelid that can affect one or both eyes. In children, it is important to treat ptosis promptly if the drooping is obscuring the pupil, as this can interfere with normal vision development and lead to amblyopia. Surgery to lift the eyelid is performed under general anaesthetic and is tailored to the degree of droop and the child’s individual anatomy.
Eyelid lumps and lesions
Chalazions, cysts, papillomas and other eyelid lumps are relatively common in children. Many resolve without intervention, but where treatment is needed our paediatric ophthalmologists can assess and remove them safely, under local or general anaesthetic depending on the child’s age and the nature of the lesion.
Your child’s journey with us
We’ve created a clear and supportive pathway for your child’s surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
We understand that day surgery can be a significant step for families. Our guide outlines the process at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, providing reassurance and clarity every step of the way.
Thea’s Squint Correction Surgery
Parents often come to us feeling unsure about what their child’s eye condition means or what treatment involves. In Thea’s case, her squint was first noticed at a young age and carefully monitored before surgery was recommended. Following a thorough assessment, she underwent a straightforward day-case procedure and was back home the same day.
With the support of a specialist paediatric team and a calm, child-friendly environment, her experience was positive from start to finish. After surgery, her recovery was quick, and the improvement in her vision and confidence was clear, highlighting the life-changing impact of early, expert care.
Frequently asked questions about our children’s eye clinic
It is always worth seeking an expert opinion promptly when it comes to a child’s eyesight. You may wish to book a private paediatric eye clinic appointment in London if your child has:
- An eye that appears to turn in, out, up or down
- A white or unusual reflection in one or both eyes in photographs
- A drooping upper eyelid
- Persistent watery or sticky eyes
- Suspected difficulty seeing clearly at distance or close up
- Complaints of double vision or headaches related to reading
- A family history of childhood eye conditions such as squint or amblyopia
- Been referred following a school vision screening or GP check
A paediatric ophthalmologist is a consultant eye surgeon who specialises in diagnosing and treating eye conditions in children. They have specific expertise in conditions common in childhood, such as squint, amblyopia, and blocked tear ducts, and are experienced in assessing young patients of all ages, from newborns to teenagers.
You should seek an ophthalmology opinion promptly if you notice your child’s eyes are not aligned, if they have a persistent watery or sticky eye, a drooping eyelid, or if you have any concern about their vision. Early assessment is important: many childhood eye conditions are much easier to treat when caught early, before vision development is affected. A private appointment means you can be seen quickly, without a long NHS wait.
You do not need a GP referral to book a private paediatric ophthalmology appointment at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital as a self-pay patient. However, a referral letter is helpful as it provides a useful clinical background. If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a referral for authorisation. Please check your policy before booking.
Our paediatric ophthalmologists see children from infancy through to late adolescence. We are experienced in assessing very young children and infants who cannot yet communicate their symptoms verbally, using specialised examination techniques appropriate to their age.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is recognised by all major private medical insurers. Coverage will depend on your individual policy and the specific consultation or procedure required. We recommend contacting your insurer directly before booking to confirm your level of cover.
Our children’s eye clinic is located at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH.
We are a three-minute walk from St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and well served by local bus routes. We see families from across North and Central London, including Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), Maida Vale, Marylebone and beyond