Private conjunctivitis and red eye clinic in London, same-day eye.
Most red eyes are conjunctivitis: gritty, sticky, uncomfortable, and better within one to two weeks without treatment. A small number are something more serious, and they are distinguished by three things — genuine pain, changed vision, and dislike of light. Our private eye clinic in East London offers same-day conjunctivitis and red eye assessment with a private eye specialist, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.
The condition
What is conjunctivitis and red eye?
Most red eyes are conjunctivitis: gritty, sticky, uncomfortable, and better within one to two weeks without treatment. A small number are something more serious, and they are distinguished by three things — genuine pain, changed vision, and dislike of light.
- What conjunctivitis and red eye is
- Symptoms to look for
- Causes & risk factors
- Tests & diagnosis
- Treatment options
- When to see a specialist
Understanding conjunctivitis and red eye
Conjunctivitis and red eye: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment
Seek same-day assessment if you have
- pain in the eye rather than grittiness or irritation
- any change or blurring of vision that does not clear on blinking
- marked sensitivity to light
- a red, painful eye and you wear contact lenses
- a chemical splash or injury to the eye, or something stuck in it
- halos around lights, nausea and a severe headache with a red eye
- a red eye in a baby under 28 days old
Contact lens wearers with a red painful eye need examining urgently, as a corneal ulcer can develop quickly and threaten sight. Remove the lens and do not put it back in. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR — Moorfields Eye Hospital also runs a walk-in emergency eye service.
Telling the types apart
- Viral — the commonest. Watery discharge, often starts in one eye and spreads to the other, frequently with a cold or sore throat and a tender gland in front of the ear. Can take two to three weeks to clear.
- Bacterial — thicker yellow or green discharge, lids stuck together in the morning. Usually settles within a week without treatment.
- Allergic — both eyes, intensely itchy, swollen lids, often with sneezing and a runny nose. Itch is the giveaway; infective conjunctivitis is gritty rather than itchy.
Antibiotic drops are usually not needed
Most bacterial conjunctivitis clears on its own within a week, and antibiotic drops shorten it only slightly. They are worth using when symptoms are severe or prolonged, in contact lens wearers, or where there is a particular risk. If drops have not been prescribed for you, that is a considered decision rather than an oversight.
Self-care
- Bathe the lids with cooled boiled water and clean cotton wool, using a fresh piece for each wipe and each eye, wiping from the inner corner outwards.
- A cool compress for viral or allergic conjunctivitis; some people prefer a warm one for sticky lids.
- Lubricating drops from a pharmacy ease grittiness.
- An antihistamine drop or tablet for allergic conjunctivitis.
- Do not wear contact lenses until 24 hours after all symptoms have gone. Throw away the pair you were wearing, and any opened solution.
- Do not share towels, pillowcases or flannels. Wash hands often — conjunctivitis spreads very readily.
School and work
Children with conjunctivitis do not need to be kept off school or nursery, and public health guidance is clear on this point. If a school insists, we can provide a letter. Adults need not stay off work unless their role makes it impractical.
Other causes of a red eye
- Dry eye — gritty, worse on screens or in air conditioning, better with lubricating drops.
- Blepharitis — crusted, itchy lid margins, often recurring. Treated with lid hygiene rather than antibiotics.
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage — a striking flat patch of bright red blood on the white of the eye, painless and with normal vision. It looks alarming, is harmless, and clears over two weeks. Worth mentioning to us if it recurs or if you take blood thinners.
- Stye or chalazion — a tender lump on the lid, treated with warm compresses.
Book an appointment if the eye is painful, vision has changed, symptoms are not settling after two weeks, you wear contact lenses, or the same eye keeps becoming inflamed. We can examine the eye properly, stain the surface to look for an ulcer or scratch, and arrange urgent ophthalmology where it is needed.
Eye services we offer
Expert care under one roof
From same-day GP assessment to specialist care, scans and tests — with a clear plan the same visit.
Simple & reassuring
Seen today, in three easy steps
Book in a minute
Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.
Seen quickly
A GMC-registered clinician assesses you, with tests and scans arranged in-house where possible.
Diagnosis & plan
You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.
Private assessment
See a private eye specialist for conjunctivitis and red eye in London
At our private eye clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private eye specialist or conjunctivitis and red eye doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant eye specialist will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about conjunctivitis and red eye.
Local, private, fast
A private eye clinic for East London & Canary Wharf
Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private conjunctivitis and red eye appointment with a eye specialist, without the wait or the referral.
Why choose us
Why choose our East London private eye clinic
- Same-day, no referral — private GP and eye under one roof
- Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
- Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
- Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
- A named clinician who explains your results clearly
- Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on
Ready when you are
See a private eye specialist for conjunctivitis and red eye — the same day.
Book a private conjunctivitis and red eye assessment in East London: same-day appointments, eye specialist-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.
Common questions
Conjunctivitis and red eye in London: your questions answered
Where can I find a private conjunctivitis and red eye specialist near me in East London?
Our private eye clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private eye specialist or conjunctivitis and red eye doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.
Can I see a private eye specialist for conjunctivitis and red eye the same day?
Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a eye specialist or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.
How much does a private conjunctivitis and red eye appointment cost in London?
We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the conjunctivitis and red eye assessment and any tests before you book.
Do I need a referral to see a private eye specialist for conjunctivitis and red eye?
No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a eye specialist, we will guide you.
Which areas do you serve for private conjunctivitis and red eye care?
We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.
Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.