40+
years in the field
20,000+
operations
250+
published works
90,000
patients treated
If you’ve been diagnosed with a retinal detachment, urgent treatment is essential to protect your sight. Most urgent cases at our central London clinic are seen within 48 hours.
Understanding the condition
A retinal detachment is a sight‑threatening condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Without prompt surgery, it can lead to permanent vision loss, often within days.
Symptoms of a retinal detachment
Please seek immediate advice if you notice:
A sudden shadow or ‘curtain’ across your vision
A rapid increase in floaters (dots, strands, or cobwebs)
Flashes of light, especially at the side of your vision
Distortion or blurring in one eye
Sudden loss of part of your visual field
A renowned leader in retinal detachment surgery, Professor Tom Williamson offers world‑class treatment to patients in London.
What to do next
We understand this can feel overwhelming. We always aim to arrange your treatment within 48 hours from your first call. Here’s what to expect:
Consultation
We’ll see you promptly at our London clinic for a detailed retinal examination and imaging, so we can confirm the diagnosis and discuss the next steps.
Clear explanation
Professor Williamson will explain exactly what’s happening with your retina, what he recommends, and what you can expect from the next steps.
Prompt surgery
We’ll arrange your surgery within 48 hours, giving you the very best chance to protect your sight. Surgery will be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
Recovery
You’ll head home the same day with clear aftercare instructions and our contact details, so you can reach us if you have any concerns. Most patients notice their vision returning towards normal over the following weeks.
Follow-up care
We’ll see you again within three days to check your retina is stable and healing well.
Exactly what happens during your detached retina operation
Professor Williamson will recommend the approach that gives you the highest chance of success based on the type, location, and severity of your detachment.
Remove the vitreous
The clear jelly inside the eye (vitreous) is carefully removed to stop it pulling on the retina. This creates the space needed for the macula to heal.
Release tension on the retina
A fine, transparent membrane on the retinal surface is gently peeled away to reduce stress around the hole and encourage closure.
Help the hole to heal
A tiny gas bubble is placed inside the eye to lightly press against the macula. This supports the healing process and allows the edges of the hole to come together.
Exactly what happens during your detached retina operation
Professor Williamson will recommend the approach that gives you the highest chance of success based on the type, location, and severity of your detachment.
Vitrectomy
This microsurgical procedure removes the vitreous gel from the eye, repairs any retinal breaks, and uses a gas or silicone oil to hold the retina in place while it heals. Vitrectomy is often chosen for more complex or extensive detachments and is performed under local or general anaesthetic.
- Remove the vitreous: The clear jelly inside the eye (vitreous) is carefully removed to stop it pulling on the retina. This creates the space needed for the macula to heal.
- Release tension on the retina: A fine, transparent membrane on the retinal surface is gently peeled away to reduce stress around the hole and encourage closure.
- Help the hole to heal: A tiny gas bubble is placed inside the eye to lightly press against the macula. This supports the healing process and allows the edges of the hole to come together.
Non‑drain retinal repair
In selected cases, the retina can be repaired without removing the vitreous. This may involve a scleral buckle – a fine silicone band placed around the eye to gently push the wall of the eye inwards, closing the retinal break.
Both techniques aim to reattach the retina and prevent further vision loss, with the choice guided entirely by what will give you the best possible outcome.
Expert retinal detachment surgery, backed by decades of experience
A leader in the field, Professor Williamson combines exceptional technical skill with highly personalised care.
World-class surgical skill
Over four decades of success in treating detached retinas, and trusted by thousands of patients internationally.
Urgent surgery without delay
We aim to schedule your surgery within 48 hours of your first call.
Care that follows you from start to finish
Follow‑up with the same trusted surgeon who knows your case in detail
Trusted by patients for decades
“Prof. Williamson is gentle and patient, but candid”
Maggie D.
“I felt confident in the diagnosis, treatment, and care I received, so when another issue arose I returned to Professor Williamson, knowing I could rely on him”
Enid R.
“I come for regular checks to meet with the Professor and I feel confident that I am under the care of an expert”
Anthony T.
“I feel blessed to find Prof. Williamson, a skilled surgeon who has twice treated my eyes perfectly”
Roger S.
“Our family has trusted Prof. Williamson’s outstanding eye care for over 20 years”
William L.
"Professor Williamson takes the time to clearly explain the benefits and risks of each potential treatment plan. I continue to seek his guidance to manage my condition and pursue the best possible care"
Afsardeir Hamid
Your recovery - what to expect in the days and weeks ahead
Your recovery from the detached retina operation depends on the severity of the detachment and the surgical approach used. Professor Williamson will provide you with clear aftercare instructions for a safe recovery.
Surgery Time
~45–90 minutes
Hospital Stay
Outpatient (same-day)
Vision Improvement
Gradual over weeks to months
Driving
Often 1–2 weeks (longer if gas bubble present)
Flying
Not permitted until the gas bubble has gone
Screen Use
Next day if comfortable
Light Activity
Next day
Full Recovery
Several weeks to a few months
“While enjoying the Chelsea Flower Show, I felt a sudden change in my vision. A call to Prof. Williamson’s PA got me an immediate appointment at the Lister Hospital, where the Professor confirmed my retina was starting to detach. He sent us straight to St Thomas’ where he performed surgery, which was a complete success. We were back at the Flower Show the same afternoon. Now, that is what I call service!”
William L.
Meet Professor Williamson
Professor Tom Williamson is one of the UK’s foremost retinal surgeons, practising in London. With over 40 years in the field, he has performed more than 20,000 operations and is recognised for both his meticulous technique and consistently successful outcomes. Known for his clear, pragmatic approach, Professor Williamson offers patients highly personalised care with continuity over the long term.
How much does retinal detachment surgery cost?
The cost of a vitrectomy for one eye, for self‑funding patients, is £8,898.
Insurance
We work with major insurance providers, including Bupa, AXA‑PPP, Vitality, WPA, and Aviva. As Professor Williamson is not a fee‑assured consultant, your insurer may not cover the full amount - we’ll confirm any costs with you before treatment.
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