Retina
Assessment for suspected retinal detachment or retinal elevation, especially when direct view is obscured.
- Posterior segment view
- Retinal contour
- Urgent findings flagged
Ocular ultrasound · B-scan · eye and orbit imaging
Private Eye Ultrasound Scan London
A painless ocular ultrasound performed over the closed eyelid to assess the back of the eye, vitreous, retina, optic nerve head and orbit when direct examination is limited or further imaging is needed.
£299 eye ultrasound scan
Both eyes assessed
No GP referral
Same-day report
£299Private ocular ultrasound scan price used from your draft page.
Both eyesAssessment of the symptomatic eye and comparison where clinically helpful.
15–20 minPainless scan performed gently over the closed eyelid.
No referralSelf-refer and book directly for a private appointment.
Same-day reportWritten clinical report for your own records or onward eye care.
At a glance
Private Eye / Ocular Ultrasound Scan
An eye ultrasound scan, also called an ocular B-scan, uses high-frequency sound waves to image the inside and back of the eye through the closed eyelid. It is especially useful when the retina cannot be seen clearly, for example due to dense cataract or vitreous haemorrhage. The scan can help assess suspected retinal detachment, vitreous changes, eye trauma, optic disc drusen and some intra-ocular masses. No GP referral is required, and a written report is normally provided the same day.
What is included
A focused scan of the eye and orbit
The scan is designed for patients who need a prompt private ultrasound assessment of the eye, particularly when the back of the eye is difficult to view directly.
Vitreous
Review of the vitreous cavity for haemorrhage, debris and posterior vitreous detachment features.
- Vitreous haemorrhage
- Floaters-related changes
- Dynamic assessment
Optic nerve and orbit
Assessment of the optic nerve head and retrobulbar tissues where ultrasound is clinically helpful.
- Optic disc drusen
- Orbital structures
- Mass-related assessment
Trauma context
Selected post-trauma assessment where it is safe to scan and there is no open eye injury.
- Foreign body concern
- Lens or globe assessment
- Clear safety triage
Structures assessed
What the ocular ultrasound can examine
A standard ocular B-scan is a dynamic scan through the closed eyelid. The exact protocol is adapted to your symptoms and the clinical question.
Posterior segmentRetina, choroid and posterior globe.
Vitreous cavityVitreous haemorrhage, debris and detachment features.
Optic nerve headSelected assessment including suspected optic disc drusen.
Globe and lensGlobe contour and lens position where clinically relevant.
OrbitRetrobulbar soft tissues behind the eye.
Comparison eyeBoth eyes may be reviewed for comparison and context.
Clinical questions
What an eye ultrasound may help assess
Ocular ultrasound is one part of eye assessment. It is most useful when the back of the eye cannot be examined clearly by direct methods.
| Clinical question | What the ultrasound assesses |
|---|---|
| Sudden flashes and floaters | Posterior vitreous detachment, vitreous haemorrhage and associated retinal elevation or detachment features. |
| Suspected retinal detachment | Presence, configuration and extent of retinal detachment, especially when the retina cannot be seen directly. |
| Vitreous haemorrhage | Blood or debris within the vitreous cavity and whether there are associated posterior segment findings. |
| Dense cataract or opaque media | Structural assessment behind the lens when the view of the retina is blocked. |
| Eye trauma | Selected assessment for internal eye changes where it is clinically safe to scan. Open or bleeding eye injuries need emergency care first. |
| Suspected intra-ocular mass | Location, size and ultrasound appearance of a lesion to guide specialist ophthalmology referral. |
| Optic disc drusen | Ultrasound features that may support assessment of suspected buried optic disc drusen. |
Urgent eye symptoms: do not wait for a routine scan
Sudden loss of vision, a curtain or shadow across your vision, a dense shower of new floaters, severe eye pain, a chemical injury, a cut to the eye, active bleeding, or significant facial/eye trauma needs urgent same-day eye casualty or A&E assessment. A private ultrasound page is not an emergency service, and some injuries cannot be safely scanned in an outpatient setting.
Your appointment journey
A straightforward closed-eyelid scan
BeforeBook directly
Choose your appointment
Book online, by phone or by WhatsApp. Please bring any optician, GP, ophthalmology or previous imaging information if you have it.
No GP referral required.DuringB-scan
Closed-eyelid ultrasound
Gel is placed on the closed eyelid and a small ultrasound probe is moved gently over the lid while you look in different directions.
The scan is painless and usually does not require dilating drops.AfterReport
Explanation and written report
The key findings are explained within scope, and a written clinical report is normally provided the same day.
If urgent onward eye assessment is needed, this will be clearly explained.Preparation
How to prepare for your scan
No fasting
You can eat, drink and take usual medication unless you have been advised otherwise by your own clinician.
Remove lenses and make-up
Please remove contact lenses and heavy eye make-up before the appointment so the scan can be performed cleanly over the eyelid.
Bring prior records
Optician letters, hospital eye clinic notes, prior imaging or medication lists can help the sonographer understand your clinical context.
What this scan does not replace
An eye ultrasound is not a glasses test, sight test, OCT scan, visual-field test or full ophthalmology consultation. It cannot rule out every eye condition, and it is not a definitive cancer test. Where direct eye examination, emergency care, CT/MRI or specialist ophthalmology review is needed, you will be advised about appropriate onward care.
Book your appointment
Book your Eye Ultrasound Scan
Open the secure booking page in a new tab to choose your appointment time, or call the clinic team if you would prefer help selecting the correct scan.
Clinical team and governance
Specialist ultrasound with clinical governance
Your scan is performed within a regulated diagnostic clinic pathway, supported by clinical governance and careful patient information standards.
Ocular ultrasoundMrs Hosna Rashidi
Consultant Sonographer · BMUS-registered
Specialist sonographer supporting ultrasound services, including ocular ultrasound where available and clinically suitable.
Clinical governanceDr Babak Soleimanpour
Medical Director · GMC-registered GP
Clinical governance and sign-off for patient information and care pathways at London Private Ultrasound.
Clinical editorialMr Pedram Aghaei
Co-Founder · Medical Writer · Commercial Director
Non-clinical at LPU. Supports patient-information content, commercial strategy and editorial governance.
Register information
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FAQs
Private Eye Ultrasound Scan FAQs
Answers to common questions before booking your ocular ultrasound appointment.
What is an eye ultrasound scan?
An eye ultrasound scan, also called an ocular or B-scan ultrasound, is a painless scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to image the inside of the eye and the surrounding orbit. It is particularly useful when the retina cannot be seen clearly by direct examination.
Why might I need an ocular ultrasound?
It may be recommended for sudden flashes or floaters, suspected retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, dense cataract, eye trauma, suspected eye mass, optic disc drusen or when a clinician cannot get a clear view of the back of the eye.
Does the scan hurt?
No. The scan is usually painless. Gel is placed on the closed eyelid and a small ultrasound probe is moved gently over the eyelid. Nothing is inserted into the eye.
How long does the appointment take?
The ultrasound itself usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, although the full appointment may take longer to allow for check-in, explanation and reporting.
Are both eyes scanned?
The draft service page is set up for both eyes to be assessed in a standard appointment. If your concern is only one eye, the other eye may still be scanned for comparison where clinically appropriate.
Do I need eye drops or pupil dilation?
No. Ocular ultrasound normally does not require pupil dilation, so your vision is not blurred by dilating drops afterwards.
Can I drive after the scan?
Yes. Because no dilating drops are normally used and the scan is performed over the closed eyelid, most patients can drive after the appointment unless they have been advised otherwise for another reason.
How should I prepare?
No fasting or medication changes are usually needed. Please remove contact lenses and heavy eye make-up before the scan so the probe can make clean contact over the eyelid.
Can the scan detect retinal detachment?
Ocular B-scan ultrasound is commonly used to assess suspected retinal detachment, especially when the view of the retina is obscured by cataract, bleeding or other media opacity.
Can an ultrasound detect an eye tumour?
Ocular ultrasound can help identify and measure some intra-ocular masses and guide further specialist assessment. It does not provide a final cancer diagnosis by itself.
Can it assess vitreous haemorrhage?
Yes. Eye ultrasound is often used when bleeding in the vitreous prevents a clear view of the retina. It can help assess the haemorrhage and look for associated retinal problems.
Can it replace an ophthalmology examination?
No. It is an imaging test and does not replace a full ophthalmology or optometry examination, OCT, visual-field testing or emergency eye assessment where those are needed.
Do I need a GP or ophthalmologist referral?
No GP referral is required. You can book directly, and the written report can be shared with your GP, optometrist or ophthalmologist if needed.
When will I receive my report?
A written clinical report is normally provided on the same day, with verbal explanation of the key findings during your appointment.
What happens if something urgent is found?
If the scan suggests an urgent issue, such as a possible retinal detachment, the clinician will explain the finding and advise urgent onward assessment through eye casualty, A&E or an appropriate specialist pathway.
Is the scan safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation. When performed appropriately over the closed eyelid by a trained clinician, it is regarded as a safe imaging test.
How much does a private eye ultrasound cost?
The uploaded draft lists the private eye ultrasound scan from £299. The price should be confirmed against the live price list before publication.
Where is the scan available?
London Private Ultrasound has clinics in Central London at 27 Welbeck Street and in St Albans at 54–56 Victoria Street. Availability may vary by clinic and appointment type.
Book your private Eye Ultrasound Scan
Painless closed-eyelid ocular ultrasound, both eyes assessed, no GP referral and same-day written report.