By Dr Sherif Ekram, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Quick answer: Before choosing an eye surgeon in the UK, check five things: that they are on the GMC Specialist Register for ophthalmology, that they hold the right subspecialty training (for laser eye surgery, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ CertLRS), how many of your specific procedure they perform, whether they offer more than one treatment option, and who looks after you if something goes wrong. A good surgeon will answer all of these openly at consultation.
1. Check the GMC Specialist Register
Every doctor practising in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Consultant eye surgeons should also appear on the Specialist Register for ophthalmology. You can search any doctor by name on the GMC’s online register. It shows their registration status and specialty, and it is the most basic check you can make.
2. Look for the right subspecialty training
Ophthalmology is broad. A surgeon who mainly treats retinal disease may rarely perform glaucoma surgery, and the reverse. Ask where your surgeon trained in your condition and whether it is their main area of practice.
For laser eye surgery, look for the CertLRS (Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery) from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. It is the College’s recognised qualification for laser and refractive surgery and requires ophthalmic specialist training, supervised experience and a formal examination. Our article on lens replacement versus laser eye surgery explains why this training matters for choosing the right procedure.
For glaucoma surgery, look for fellowship training in glaucoma and experience across the range of procedures, from MIGS such as iStent Inject and GATT to tubes and trabeculectomy.
3. Ask about volume and experience
Surgical skill grows with repetition. It is reasonable to ask:
- How many of this exact procedure do you perform each year?
- How many have you performed in total?
- Do you audit your outcomes, and can you share them?
Experienced surgeons expect these questions. Volume is not the only measure of quality, but it shows how familiar a surgeon is with unusual situations as well as routine ones.
4. Make sure more than one option is on the table
A clinic that offers only one treatment tends to recommend it. Ask whether alternatives were considered and why they were ruled out. For example, a patient over 50 asking about laser may be better served by lens replacement, and a glaucoma patient offered a stent may need a procedure that lowers pressure further.
Surgeons with dual subspecialties are well placed here. A surgeon trained in both glaucoma and refractive surgery can judge, for example, whether a multifocal lens is safe in an eye with early glaucoma, or whether a lens can be secured with a scleral-fixated IOL without affecting eye pressure.
5. Understand who provides aftercare
Good results depend as much on aftercare as on the operation. Before booking, check:
- Will you see the operating surgeon before and after surgery, or a different clinician?
- Who do you contact out of hours?
- Is further treatment, such as a laser enhancement, included in the price?
- Is the clinic registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or the equivalent regulator in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
6. Take your time
Elective eye surgery should never be rushed. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ professional standards for refractive surgery include a cooling-off period between consent and surgery, and the consent discussion should be with the surgeon, not a sales adviser. If you feel pressured by discounts or deadlines, consider getting a second opinion.
Questions to bring to your consultation
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for ophthalmology?
- What subspecialty training do you have for my condition?
- For laser surgery: do you hold the RCOphth CertLRS?
- How many of this procedure have you performed?
- What other treatments are suitable for me, and why do you recommend this one?
- What are the most likely risks for my eyes specifically?
- Who will see me after surgery, and how do I reach the team urgently?
- What is the full cost, including follow-up and any enhancements?
About Dr Sherif Ekram
Dr Sherif Ekram (also known as Mr Sherif Ekram) is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon based in the UK with over 18 years of clinical and surgical experience. He is one of a small number of surgeons dual-subspecialised in both glaucoma and refractive surgery, and holds the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ CertLRS.
- More than 16,000 cataract operations
- More than 8,000 refractive procedures, including Femto-LASIK, PRK and premium IOLs
- More than 3,000 glaucoma operations, from MIGS to tube surgery
He has served as Glaucoma Clinical Lead for UK ophthalmic networks, is an RCOphth-approved assessor and surgical trainer, and lectures internationally, including at the Sinjab Academy. His work on theatre logistics and clinic flow reflects the same focus on safe, well-planned care.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an eye surgeon is qualified in the UK?
Search the surgeon’s name on the GMC’s online register to confirm registration and specialist status. For laser surgery, ask whether they hold the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ CertLRS.
What is the difference between “Mr” and “Dr” for UK eye surgeons?
In the UK, surgeons traditionally use “Mr”, “Miss” or “Ms” once they become members of a surgical Royal College, while other doctors use “Dr”. Both titles refer to fully qualified doctors, and many surgeons use them interchangeably.
Is a consultant better than a non-consultant surgeon?
Consultants have completed full specialist training and appear on the Specialist Register. Many other surgeons are also highly skilled. The key is experience in your specific procedure.
Should I get a second opinion before eye surgery?
For elective or complex surgery, a second opinion is reasonable and common. A good surgeon will not be offended by it.
This article is for general information and does not replace a personal consultation. Browse more guides in the articles library.
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