Do I need a GP referral for dry eye treatment in Camberley or Ascot?
No GP referral is required to see Miss Hala Ali privately. You can contact the clinic directly to arrange a consultation at either Frimley Park Hospital or Heatherwood Hospital.
Ocular Surface Disease
Dry Eye Management in Camberley and Ascot
Specialist assessment and treatment for dry eye disease or dry eye syndrome with Miss Hala Ali at Frimley Park Hospital and Heatherwood Hospitals.
Dry eye disease (DED), also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a chronic condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or produce tears of insufficient quality, to keep the ocular surface adequately lubricated. It causes symptoms including persistent grittiness, burning, redness, fluctuating vision, and discomfort with contact lens wear. Dry eye disease is common and treatable: a range of options exists from lubricating drops through to in-clinic procedures, and the most appropriate treatment is determined following a specialist assessment.
What causes dry eye disease?
Dry eye disease develops through two broad mechanisms, which often overlap in the same patient.
Aqueous-deficient dry eye
The lacrimal glands do not produce enough watery (aqueous) tears to maintain adequate lubrication. This is associated with conditions such as Sjogren syndrome and other autoimmune disorders, and can cause more severe symptoms.
Evaporative dry eye
Tears evaporate too quickly from the ocular surface, often because the meibomian glands in the eyelids are not producing enough of the oily layer that normally slows evaporation. Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) is a common underlying cause.
Common contributing factors include:
- Prolonged screen use (reduced blink rate)
- Ageing (tear production naturally declines with age)
- Contact lens wear
- Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics)
- Blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction
- Autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren syndrome
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women
- Environmental factors (air conditioning, low humidity)
How is dry eye diagnosed?
A dry eye consultation with Miss Hala Ali involves a structured assessment to identify the type and severity of dry eye disease and any underlying causes. This typically includes:
Symptom questionnaire
A validated questionnaire such as the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) is used to quantify symptom severity and their impact on daily activities.
Tear film assessment
The stability and volume of the tear film are evaluated, including assessment of tear break-up time and the quantity of tears produced.
Ocular surface examination
The cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelid margins are examined under the slit lamp to identify any staining, inflammation, or meibomian gland dysfunction.
Medical history review
Relevant systemic conditions, medications, contact lens use, and environmental factors are discussed to identify contributing causes.
What treatments are available for dry eye?
Treatment for dry eye disease follows a stepped approach, beginning with first-line measures such as lubricating eye drops, eyelid hygiene, and environmental adjustments, and progressing to in-clinic procedural options where symptoms persist. The right treatment is determined individually following assessment: not every option is appropriate for every patient, and the underlying cause of dry eye influences which approach is most likely to help.
Topical and medical treatments
For many patients, dry eye disease is managed effectively with topical treatments. These are typically the first line of treatment and may be sufficient on their own or used alongside procedural options.
Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears)
A wide range of preservative-free lubricating drops, gels, and ointments is available. The choice of formulation depends on symptom severity, tear film type, and patient preference. Preservative-free preparations are generally preferred for frequent use.
Eyelid hygiene and warm compresses
For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis contributing to evaporative dry eye, regular warm compresses and eyelid margin cleaning can improve the quality of the oily tear layer and reduce symptoms.
Where lubricating drops and eyelid hygiene alone are not sufficient, prescription treatments below targeting ocular surface inflammation may be appropriate. These are prescribed and need to be supervised by a specialist.
Book a consultation to discuss prescription optionsTopical corticosteroids
Short courses of topical steroid drops can be used to reduce ocular surface inflammation in dry eye disease. They are typically prescribed for limited periods due to the potential for side effects with prolonged use, and are used under specialist supervision.
Ciclosporin eye drops
Ciclosporin (cyclosporine) is an immunomodulatory agent that reduces inflammation on the ocular surface. It is used for moderate to severe dry eye disease, particularly where inflammation is a significant component. It is available as a topical eye drop and is generally well tolerated with long-term use.
What are punctal plugs?
Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the punctum (the tiny opening of the tear drainage duct at the inner corner of the eyelid) to reduce the drainage of tears away from the eye's surface. By slowing tear drainage, they help keep the ocular surface better lubricated.
They are a well-established option for aqueous-deficient dry eye and have been used in clinical practice for many years. Plugs may be temporary (dissolvable, lasting weeks to months) or longer-lasting depending on the type used and the individual patient's needs.
The insertion procedure is performed in the clinic. Topical anaesthetic eye drops are applied first, and the plug is then gently placed into the punctum. Most patients have plugs inserted during a brief in-clinic procedure and are able to leave shortly afterwards.
What is Lacrifill?
Lacrifill is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel that is injected into the punctum and canaliculus (the tear drainage channel), where it conforms to the individual patient's anatomy to occlude tear drainage and improve ocular surface lubrication.
It is a newer alternative to traditional solid punctal plugs. Because it is injected as a gel rather than inserted as a solid device, it adapts to the shape of the drainage channel. The procedure is performed in the clinic during a brief injection procedure.
Whether Lacrifill or a traditional punctal plug is more appropriate depends on individual anatomy and clinical assessment. Miss Hala Ali will discuss which option is most suitable at your consultation.
What is Omnigen?
Omnigen is a dehydrated human amniotic membrane-derived matrix applied to the ocular surface to support healing and reduce inflammation. It is typically applied using a specialised bandage contact lens that holds the membrane in contact with the eye's surface.
Amniotic membrane has been used in ophthalmology for many years for its properties in supporting ocular surface repair. Omnigen is generally used for more significant or treatment-resistant dry eye and ocular surface disease rather than as a first-line option for mild symptoms.
Whether Omnigen is appropriate depends on the severity of your condition and how your symptoms have responded to earlier treatments. This is assessed at consultation.
Is dry eye treatment right for me?
Persistent dry eye symptoms that have not responded adequately to over-the-counter lubricating drops are a reasonable reason to seek a specialist consultation. Symptoms that commonly prompt patients to seek further assessment include:
- Persistent grittiness or a foreign body sensation
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Redness that does not resolve
- Fluctuating or blurred vision
- Discomfort or intolerance with contact lens wear
- Watery eyes (reflex tearing in response to dryness)
- Symptoms that worsen with screen use or in air-conditioned environments
Treatment is always tailored following a full assessment. A consultation with Miss Hala Ali will establish the type and severity of your dry eye, identify any contributing causes, and allow a personalised treatment plan to be discussed.
Clinic Locations
Miss Hala Ali holds dry eye clinics at two hospital sites in Surrey and Berkshire.
Parkside Suite, Frimley Park Hospital
Serving Camberley, Surrey and surrounding areas
Parkside Suite, Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7UJ
Free patient parking is available on site. Most convenient for patients from Camberley, Frimley, Farnborough, Fleet, Farnham, and Aldershot.
Parkside Suite, Heatherwood Hospital
Serving Ascot, Berkshire and surrounding areas
Parkside Suite, Heatherwood Hospital, Brook Avenue, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7GB
Free patient parking is available on site. Most convenient for patients from Ascot, Windsor, Bracknell, Wokingham, Sunningdale, and Egham.
Fees and insurance
New patient consultation
£250
Includes full dry eye assessment, tear film evaluation, and personalised treatment discussion.
Follow-up appointment
£200
Review of treatment response and ongoing management. Procedure costs are confirmed individually at consultation.
The cost of any procedural treatment (including punctal plugs, Lacrifill, or Omnigen application) is confirmed individually at consultation depending on what is clinically indicated. No procedure costs are committed to before assessment.
Recognised insurers:
BupaAXA HealthVitalityAllianz Worldwide CareWPAAvivaThe ExeterHealix HealthGeneral & MedicalCignaAetna
Self-pay patients are welcome. Please check your policy terms with your insurer before booking. For full fee information, visit the fees page.
Frequently asked questions
Which clinic should I choose: Frimley Park or Heatherwood?
Frimley Park Hospital in Camberley is most convenient for patients from Camberley, Frimley, Farnborough, Fleet, Farnham, and Aldershot. Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot is most convenient for patients from Ascot, Windsor, Bracknell, Wokingham, Sunningdale, and Egham. Both sites offer the same standard of care.
How do I know if I need punctal plugs or Lacrifill?
The most appropriate treatment is determined following a full clinical assessment. Both punctal plugs and Lacrifill work by reducing tear drainage, but they differ in how they are inserted and in their physical properties. Miss Hala Ali will discuss the options most suitable for your individual anatomy and symptoms at your consultation.
Is Omnigen suitable for everyday dry eye?
Omnigen is generally used for more significant or treatment-resistant dry eye and ocular surface disease rather than as a first-line option for mild symptoms. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on the severity of your condition and how your symptoms have responded to earlier treatments.
How long does a punctal plug or Lacrifill procedure take?
Both procedures are performed in the clinic and typically take only a few minutes. Topical anaesthetic eye drops are used beforehand. Most patients are able to leave the clinic shortly after the procedure.
What does a dry eye consultation cost?
A new patient consultation with Miss Hala Ali is £250. A follow-up appointment is £200. The cost of any procedural treatment (such as punctal plugs, Lacrifill, or Omnigen) is confirmed individually at consultation depending on what is clinically indicated.
Is dry eye treatment covered by private medical insurance?
Miss Hala Ali is recognised by all major private medical insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Allianz Worldwide Care, WPA, Aviva, The Exeter, Healix Health, General & Medical, Cigna, and Aetna. Coverage for dry eye treatment depends on your individual policy. Self-pay patients are also welcome.
Why choose Miss Hala Ali for dry eye management?
Miss Hala Ali is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with subspecialty expertise in corneal and ocular surface disease. She holds the Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) and the Certificate of Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS), and completed fellowship training in corneal and refractive surgery.
She serves as an Examiner and Surgical Skills Tutor for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and has presented her research internationally at ESCRS, ASCRS, and ARVO.
Patients with dry eye disease benefit from this depth of ocular surface expertise: assessment goes beyond a standard eye examination to evaluate the tear film, ocular surface, and eyelid margins in detail, ensuring that treatment is matched to the underlying cause of symptoms.
Credentials
- FRCOphthFellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- CertLRSCertificate of Laser Refractive Surgery
- Fellowship trainedCorneal and refractive surgery subspecialty
- RCOphth ExaminerRoyal College of Ophthalmologists
- Surgical Skills TutorRoyal College of Ophthalmologists
- International presenterESCRS, ASCRS, ARVO
Related pages
Book a dry eye consultation in Camberley or Ascot
To find out whether specialist dry eye treatment is right for you, book a private consultation with Miss Hala Ali at Frimley Park Hospital or Heatherwood Hospital.
01276 942026