FAQ

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How do I book an appointment?

You can call us on 01217263199, email us on info@edgbastoneyeclinic.com or use the contact form or request an appointment form on our website. We’ll offer you a convenient time, including Saturdays if needed. At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, you’ll be seen promptly and professionally with no waiting lists. Don Williams is a private optometrist in Birmingham.

What are your fees and services?

Our price list can be viewed on our website – Fees

Is there free parking on site?

Yes, we have fre parking on site for patients.

Glaucoma

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What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve becomes damaged, often due to raised pressure inside the eye. It can cause gradual loss of vision, usually starting in the peripheral (side) vision, and if left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Many people don’t realise they have glaucoma because it often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms until the later stages. That’s why early diagnosis through a proper glaucoma assessment is vital.

How do I know if I have glaucoma?

The truth is, you might not know. Glaucoma is sometimes called the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it can develop without warning signs. You may not feel any pain or notice vision changes until the disease is quite advanced. The only way to detect it early is through a detailed eye health examination that includes specific tests to check your eye pressure, visual fields and the health of your optic nerve.

What does a full glaucoma assessment involve?

At Edgbaston Eye Clinic in Birmingham, a full glaucoma assessment is thorough and highly specialised. It includes a detailed consultation with me, a review of your personal and family history, intraocular pressure checks using Goldmann applanation, gonioscopy to assess the drainage angles of the eye, corneal thickness measurement, visual field testing, high-resolution OCT scans of the optic nerve and wide-field retinal imaging. This is not a rushed appointment—we take the time to get it right. To get a really clear view of the back of the eye, we usually use drops to gently dilate your pupils. This can make your vision a bit blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours, so it’s best not to drive after the appointment.

How much does a private glaucoma assessment cost?

A comprehensive glaucoma assessment at Edgbaston Eye Clinic is £425. This includes everything—the consultation, all diagnostic scans and clinical advice. There are no hidden fees or unexpected add-ons. You’re paying for a complete, in-depth review of your eye health with some of the most advanced diagnostic equipment.

Is glaucoma treatable?

Yes, glaucoma is treatable, especially when caught early. While it can’t be cured or reversed, treatment can stop it from getting worse. Treatment often begins with eye drops to reduce eye pressure, but in some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be needed. I’ll explain all the options clearly during your consultation and guide you on the best course of action.

Can you go blind from glaucoma?

If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible sight loss and eventually blindness. However, with early detection and proper management, most people with glaucoma maintain useful vision for life. That’s why regular monitoring and a full glaucoma workup are so important, especially if you have risk factors.

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

You’re at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, are of Afro-Caribbean or Asian descent, have high eye pressure, are very short- or long-sighted, or have other health conditions such as diabetes or low blood pressure. I’ll take all these factors into account during your consultation.

How often should I be checked for glaucoma?

If you have risk factors or a family history, you should have a full glaucoma screening every year. Even if you’ve had an NHS sight test, that may not include the advanced glaucoma diagnostics we offer here. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth getting a second opinion.

Why choose Edgbaston Eye Clinic for glaucoma care?

I specialise in glaucoma diagnosis and management, with advanced qualifications and over 15 years of clinical experience in the field of glaucoma. I’ve worked in both NHS hospital clinics and private practice, and I’m proud to offer an advanced-level glaucoma testing in a calm, private setting here in Birmingham. All consultations are done by me personally—no handovers, no rushed appointments. We offer flexible times, weekends and provide honest, independent advice without pressure (no pun intended).

Can I self-refer for a private glaucoma consultation?

Yes, you can. You don’t need a referral from your GP or optician to book an appointment at Edgbaston Eye Clinic. Many patients come to us because they are concerned about glaucoma, have been told their eye pressure is high, or simply want a second opinion without waiting months to be seen on the NHS.

What if I’ve already been diagnosed with glaucoma but want a second opinion?

That’s absolutely fine. I see many patients who have an existing diagnosis but want reassurance, better understanding, or clearer guidance on their treatment. I’m happy to provide a full glaucoma review and help you make informed decisions about your care.

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

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What is YAG laser capsulotomy?

YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick and painless laser eye procedure used to treat cloudy vision after cataract surgery. Over time, the membrane that holds the artificial lens in place can become cloudy—this is called posterior capsule opacification or PCO. It can make your vision blurry, hazy or cause glare. The YAG laser gently opens this cloudy membrane to restore clear vision. It’s a safe and commonly performed procedure with instant results for many people.

Why might I need a YAG laser capsulotomy?

If you’ve had cataract surgery and your vision has gradually become blurry again, even though your glasses haven’t changed, it could be due to posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This is a very common and treatable condition. YAG laser treatment clears this cloudiness so you can see better again. Many patients describe it as getting their cataract operation results back.

What does the procedure involve?

The YAG laser capsulotomy is done here at Edgbaston Eye Clinic in Birmingham. It usually takes just a few minutes. You’ll sit at a laser machine similar to the microscope we use during an eye exam. The laser uses light energy to create a small opening in the cloudy capsule behind your lens implant. There is no cutting or pain involved. We use dilating drops to dilate the pupil and anaesthetic drops to numb your eye, and you can go home shortly after the procedure. We advise patients not to drive after.

Will I feel anything during the laser treatment?

Most patients feel no pain at all. You might notice a few bright lights or a mild clicking sound during the procedure, but that’s it. The treatment is very gentle and completely non-invasive.

How soon will my vision improve?

For many patients, vision improves within a few hours. Some notice clearer vision the next day. Everyone is different, but most people experience a significant improvement quickly. If both eyes are affected, we normally treat one eye at a time.

Is YAG laser capsulotomy safe?

Yes, it is considered a very safe and low-risk procedure. At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, I personally perform the YAG laser treatment using hospital-grade equipment in a calm, professional environment. As with any procedure, there are small risks, but serious complications are rare. I will go through everything in detail during your consultation to make sure you feel informed and confident. The main complication is some patients report seeing little floaters after. These floaters tend to subside after a few days to a few weeks.

How much does YAG laser eye treatment cost at Edgbaston Eye Clinic?

The total cost for YAG laser capsulotomy at our clinic in Birmingham is £575 per eye. This price includes everything—your consultation, all necessary scans such as OCT or eye pressure checks, the laser treatment itself, and any follow-up care if needed. There are no hidden extras or add-ons.

Why choose Edgbaston Eye Clinic for your YAG laser treatment?

At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, all consultations are not rushed. The care is tailored to your needs in a relaxed, professional environment with the latest diagnostic technology. We also offer flexible appointments to suit your schedule, including weekends (Saturdays).

Blepharitis

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What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a very common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelid margins. It often feels like soreness, irritation, crusting around the lashes, or a heavy, tired sensation in the eyes. Some people experience itching or stinging, while others feel as though their eyes are always dry or watery. It can be frustrating and persistent, and it tends to come and go in flare-ups. I often describe it to patients as ‘eczema of the eyelids’—it’s not dangerous, but it can be really uncomfortable and hard to manage without the right approach.

What causes blepharitis?

There isn’t just one cause. It is multifactorial. Sometimes blepharitis is due to bacteria or blocked oil glands near the lashes. Other times it’s linked to skin conditions like rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or even allergies. I’ve seen many patients where contact lens wear, screen fatigue, or even hormonal changes have played a role. Blepharitis can also be part of a wider dry eye picture. That’s why getting a proper assessment is important—so we can figure out what’s triggering it in your case and manage it properly.

Is it contagious?

No, blepharitis isn’t contagious. You can’t catch it or pass it on. It’s a chronic, inflammatory condition—not an infection like conjunctivitis. However, it can sometimes cause secondary infections or styes if left untreated.

Why does it keep coming back?

This is probably the most common question I’m asked. Blepharitis tends to be a long-term condition that flares up and settles down. For many people, it never completely goes away but it can be controlled with the right routine and targeted treatments. The trick is not just to deal with the flare-up, but to understand what’s driving the inflammation and keep the eyelid margins healthy between episodes.

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but they usually include red or swollen eyelids, crusting around the lashes, itchy or gritty eyes, and a burning sensation. Some people wake up with sticky lids or notice their vision is temporarily blurry until they blink a few times. In more severe cases, the lashes can fall out or grow in the wrong direction, and the eyes can feel constantly irritated.

How is blepharitis diagnosed?

At Edgbaston Eye Clinic in Birmingham, I diagnose blepharitis through a detailed slit-lamp examination of your eyelids and lashes. I look for signs of inflammation, blocked oil glands, Demodex mites (a common and often overlooked cause), and other underlying conditions that may be contributing. If necessary, I’ll use magnified imaging to show you what’s going on, patients often find it helpful to actually see the problem. We also discuss your medical and skincare history to identify any possible links.

What does treatment involve?

Treatment depends on what type of blepharitis you have. For most people, it starts with daily eyelid hygiene—cleansing the lash line to remove debris, bacteria, and oil build-up. I might also recommend warm compresses, lid massage, or tea tree-based treatments if Demodex is involved. In some cases, short-term steroid drops or antibiotic ointments are needed to calm things down. If there’s an allergic or rosacea-related component, we’ll deal with that too. For ongoing care, I’ll help you build a realistic routine that fits into your lifestyle and actually works.

What if I’ve tried eyelid wipes and they don’t work?

This is very common. Many patients come to me after trying off-the-shelf eyelid wipes for months or even years with little or no improvement. Blepharitis often needs more targeted management than wipes alone can provide, especially if there’s inflammation, blocked glands or mites present. If you’ve been struggling, it’s worth having a proper clinical review so we can put together a personalised plan. I’ve helped many patients who felt like they’d hit a dead end.

Can blepharitis affect my vision?

While blepharitis itself doesn’t cause permanent vision loss, it can cause temporary blurring due to poor tear film quality, inflammation, or debris on the ocular surface. It can also make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. In some chronic cases, if left unmanaged, it can contribute to dry eye disease or even corneal problems—but this is rare with good care.

How much does a blepharitis consultation cost?

At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, a full blepharitis assessment and consultation is £120. This includes all necessary tests, a detailed examination of your eyelid margins and tear film, and a clear management plan tailored to your needs. Everything is explained thoroughly and there’s plenty of time to ask questions—this isn’t a rushed appointment.

And who will I be seeing?

You’ll be seeing me personally. I’ve been managing blepharitis and dry eye conditions for over 15 years, both in hospital clinics and now in private practice. At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, you’re not passed from one person to another, you’ll get continuity, attention to detail and a management plan built around you. If your eyelids have been sore for a long time, or nothing has helped so far, this is the kind of work I do every day.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

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What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD, is one of the most common causes of dry eye symptoms. The meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands that sit along the edges of your eyelids. Their job is to release a protective oil into your tears to stop them evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or start producing poor-quality oil, the tear film breaks down too fast—and that’s when you get symptoms like burning, grittiness, blurry vision, and eye fatigue. I often explain to patients that dry eye isn’t always about tear quantity—it’s often about tear quality, and MGD is at the heart of it.

What causes the glands to block or stop working properly?

MGD can develop slowly over time and can be triggered by a variety of things—hormonal changes, ageing, rosacea, long-term screen use, contact lenses, or even environmental factors like central heating or air conditioning. In some people, the glands physically narrow and stop producing oil altogether. In others, the oil becomes thick and waxy and just can’t get out. The good news is that we can often get things moving again once we understand where the blockage or dysfunction is happening.

How do I know if I have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

If your eyes feel dry, sore, itchy, or strangely watery—or if you have to blink a lot to clear your vision—there’s a good chance your meibomian glands aren’t functioning properly. MGD symptoms often overlap with dry eye and blepharitis, so it’s not always obvious to patients. That’s why a full clinical assessment is essential. I use high-magnification imaging to look directly at your glands, check their structure and function, and see how healthy (or blocked) they are.

Why does my vision go blurry even though I can still read letters on the chart?

This is a classic sign of MGD. When the oil layer of the tear film is poor or missing, your tear film becomes unstable. Every time you blink, it clears the surface for a moment—but it quickly breaks up again, leaving your vision fluctuating, especially on screens or when reading. Patients often say they can see, but it’s just not clear or comfortable. That’s the tear film, not the glasses prescription.

What’s the difference between MGD and dry eye syndrome?

They’re closely linked. MGD is one of the most common underlying causes of evaporative dry eye. So while dry eye syndrome describes the symptoms, MGD describes one of the key mechanisms. When I assess someone with dry eye, one of the first things I check is their gland function—because if the oil layer is breaking down, standard drops alone won’t solve the problem.

How is MGD treated?

The treatment depends on how severe or blocked the glands are. In early cases, warm compresses, eyelid massage, and specific cleansing routines can help soften and express the oil. But many patients I see have tried this already without much success. That’s where more targeted treatments come in. I might use anti-inflammatory drops if there’s chronic inflammation, insert punctal plugs to retain tears, or recommend medical-grade heat-based therapies to help open and clear the glands more effectively. Sometimes, if there are signs of rosacea or allergy, we tailor the treatment around that too.

Can it be cured completely?

MGD can usually be managed very effectively, but it’s a chronic condition—so we think in terms of control rather than cure. Think of it like brushing your teeth: once things are under control, the aim is to maintain the health of the glands with the right routine, and step in quickly if things flare up again. The earlier it’s identified and treated, the better the long-term outcomes tend to be.

What if I’ve already been using hot compresses but nothing’s changing?

That’s very common. Many patients come to me having used compresses or wipes for months without real improvement. If the glands are significantly blocked, compresses alone may not be enough. I assess whether the glands are still structurally intact and if more active treatment is needed. Sometimes the issue isn’t just blockage—it’s inflammation, gland dropout, or poor oil quality—and that needs a different approach.

How much does a meibomian gland consultation cost?

The full assessment at Edgbaston Eye Clinic is £120. This includes detailed imaging, gland evaluation, slit-lamp examination, and a full discussion of your symptoms, history, and treatment options. I don’t rush these appointments. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on and what steps we can take to help.

And who will I be seeing?

You’ll be seen by me, Don Williams. I’ve been managing dry eye and eyelid conditions like MGD for over 15 years, both in hospital settings and privately here at Edgbaston Eye Clinic in Birmingham. I’ve treated everything from mild irritation to chronic meibomian gland disease in patients who’ve seen multiple specialists before. You’ll receive one-to-one care, honest advice, and a plan tailored specifically to your eyes.

Dry Eye Syndrome

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What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears don’t work properly to keep your eyes comfortable and protected. This can lead to burning, stinging, blurry vision, gritty sensations, or even excessive watering. It’s more common than most people think and often underdiagnosed. I’ve been managing dry eye patients for over 15 years, and no two cases are exactly the same.

Why are my eyes watering if I have dry eye?

This is one of the most frequent things I’m asked. It sounds strange, but when your eyes are dry and irritated, they can actually produce more tears—but the wrong kind. These are watery, reflex tears that don’t nourish or protect the eye properly. So even though your eyes feel watery, they’re still technically dry. The real solution lies in treating the underlying imbalance in your tear film.

What causes dry eyes?

There are lots of possible causes, from screen use and ageing to hormonal changes, eyelid problems, contact lenses, or side effects of medication. Sometimes, there’s an underlying medical issue like rosacea, autoimmune disease, or thyroid dysfunction. In more complex cases, I may recommend further investigations, such as a blood panel, if I suspect there’s something systemic contributing to the problem. Identifying the root cause is the first step to getting lasting relief.

What happens during a dry eye consultation?

At Edgbaston Eye Clinic in Birmingham, I carry out a full dry eye assessment myself. This includes checking your tear film stability, examining your meibomian (oil) glands, looking for signs of inflammation or surface damage, and assessing your eyelid health. We may also use imaging to look deeper if needed. It’s a thorough, personalised evaluation, not just a quick check. The initial consultation is £120, which includes all the necessary dry eye tests and plenty of time to discuss your symptoms, history, and treatment options.

How do you treat dry eye?

Treatment depends on what’s causing your symptoms. For some patients, tailored lubricating drops are enough. For others, I may recommend anti-inflammatory treatments such as Ikervis or short-term steroid drops, or place tiny punctal plugs to help retain natural tears. If there’s significant lid involvement or signs of meibomian gland dysfunction, I’ll address that too. In certain cases, we may even look at your general health, diet, and lifestyle. The key is that it’s never a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about understanding your eye surface and finding what works for you.

Is dry eye something I have to live with?

No, not at all. Many people are told there’s nothing more that can be done, but in most cases, that simply isn’t true. If you’ve tried drops from the chemist and still feel miserable, there’s a good chance the issue is more complex than just dryness. With the right diagnosis and a structured plan, I’ve helped many patients get back to living comfortably—even after years of struggling.

Is Don Williams a dry eye specialist?

Yes—I’ve worked with dry eye patients for over 15 years and see everything from mild discomfort to severe, complex cases. As the clinical lead at Edgbaston Eye Clinic, I handle all assessments and treatments personally. You’re not passed between staff or rushed. Patients come to see me from across Birmingham and beyond because they want detailed answers and honest solutions. If you’re looking for a dry eye specialist who takes the time to understand your symptoms, I’d be happy to help.