Double Vision Surgery2026-11-08T14:56:48+00:00

Double Vision Surgery in London

Time to say goodbye to double vision

Get out of prism glasses with surgery

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Time to say goodbye to double vision

Get out of prism glasses with surgery

Reclaim single vision

Imagine being able to wake up and see everything clear and single. No more double objects, blur, difficulty judging distances, tackling steps, problems reading. No more confusion from things on the side appearing in front of you. We take single vision for granted. Only people with double vision appreciate what it would mean to get that back.

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Remember the life you used to have

Get back to enjoying all the things which double vision took away: reading for pleasure, outdoor activities, sports, driving. Double vision doesn’t just affect your eyes, it constricts your life. And you get used to it just because you have to. But with double vision surgery you can once more live the life you used to enjoy.

Throw away your prism glasses

Prism glasses can be good for some people. But for others they are just a pain. They don’t fix the problem in different directions or distances. They don’t work great for when you are moving about. Costly, thick, heavy and always need updating. And once you are in them, you are trapped. Unless you have double vision surgery. Most of our patients can get rid of their prism glasses after surgery and return to how they used to see before: no-prism glasses, contact lenses, or nothing.

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DOUBLE VISION SURGERY OFFERS HOPE

When our patients are first told that they can have double vision surgery, it is often a very emotional moment. Finally they have hope that their double vision will come to an end and they can get back to a normal life.

Weekend & Evening Video Consultations Available

Reclaim clear vision and a vibrant life

Imagine being able to wake up and see everything clear and single. No more doubling of objects, blur, difficulty judging distances, tackling steps, problems reading. No more confusion from things on the side appearing straight ahead. We take single vision for granted. Only people with double vision appreciate what it would mean to get that back.

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Remember the life you used to have

Get back to enjoying all the things which double vision took away: reading for pleasure, outdoor activities, sports, driving. Double vision doesn’t just affect your eyes, it constricts your life. And you just get used to it because you have to. But with double vision surgery you can once more live the life you used to enjoy.

PXL 20250320 134710115 (1)

Throw away your prism glasses

Prism glasses can be good for some people. But for others they are just a pain. They don’t fix the problem in different directions or distances. They don’t work great for when you are moving about. Costly, thick, heavy and always need updating. And once you are in them, you are trapped. Unless you have double vision surgery. Most of our patients can get rid of their prism glasses after surgery and return to how they used to see: no-prism glasses, contact lenses, or nothing.

PXL 20250410 133301465

DOUBLE VISION SURGERY OFFERS HOPE

When our patients are first told that they can have double vision surgery, it is often a very emotional moment. Finally they have hope that their double vision will come to an end and they can get back to a normal life.

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Meet your surgeon

Mr Nadeem Ali is a world expert in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of Double Vision.

There are many eye surgeons who do mainly cataract and a bit of squint surgery on the side. There are many who do general ophthalmology for children and a bit of kids’ and adult squint surgery on the side.

But there are very few people in the world who specialise 100% in squint and double vision surgery in adults. Mr Ali does just that.

He holds the following degrees:

  • MA – Triple First class (Cambridge). He was top of the year for 2 out of 3 years.
  • MB BChir with distinction (Cambridge)
  • MRCOphth (Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London)
  • FRCSEd(Ophth) (Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh).

Born in the North East of England, Mr Ali attended the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

He studied medicine at the University of Cambridge and graduated with a Triple First Class degree.

His College, Gonville and Caius, was the leading medical college at the University and boasts alumni such as William Harvey (who discovered the circulation of the blood) and Francis Crick (who discovered DNA). During his undergraduate years, he was selected for a Summer Research Programme at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, the labs of James Watson (the other discovered of DNA), where he studied the developing visual system with Neuroscientist Prof Hollis Cline. He also completed his undergraduate degree in Neurophysiology, conducting research with Prof Roger Carpenter, a pioneer of eye movement research.

He won 15 academic prizes and was top student of the University in medicine for two years of his course. He was also awarded the prestigious Schuldham Plate, given to the top-performing student over all academic subjects, over the three years of undergraduate study.

He completed his medical school at the University of Cambridge Clinical School, graduating with distinction.

Mr Ali completed his general Ophthalmic training in the North East of England.

He then pursued a Fellowship with Mike Clarke, a world-expert on squint and double vision, who taught him much of what he knows.

After that, he undertook a fellowship in Neuro-Ophthalmology at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square wher he gained experience in complex neurological causes of double vision.

He also did a Fellowship Squint and Double Vision surgery at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

He was then uniquely privileged to undergo a further 18 months of advanced, 1:1 training in squint and double vision surgery with Mr John Lee (deceased), probably the world’s leading squint expert.

He was then one of the youngest Consultants at that time appointed to the role of Consultant Eye Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

He worked as Consultant at Moorfields for 13 years from 2010-2023, receiving referrals of complex cases in squint and double vision from across the country.

Mr Ali has held/holds the following roles at Consultant level:

  • Consultant in Squint, Neuro-Ophthalmology and Paediatric Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital – City Road, London (2010-2014)
  • Consultant in Neuro-Ophthalmology, the Royal London Hospital, London (2010-2014)
  • Consultant in Squint, Neuro-Ophthalmology and Paediatric Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital – South, London (2014-2023)
  • Lead for Adult Squint, Double Vision and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital – South, London (2016-2023)
  • Honorary Consultant to the National Hospital for Neuro-Disability, London (2021-2023)
  • Visiting Consultant in Squint Surgery, Gibraltar Health Authority (2018- present)
  • Visiting Consultant in Squint Surgery, Iceland Government Health Service (2023-present)

Our Patients’ Double Vision Surgery Stories

People who do their homework choose us.
Here’s 9 reasons why.

1. The specialists

We are the UK’s only clinic exclusively for squint and double vision.

2. Ultra expertise

Mr Ali is one of just a few surgeons in the world who does nothing but squint and double vision surgery in adults. Most other squint surgeons do mainly children and adults on the side.

3. Experience

Mr Ali has 24 years of surgical experience, covering the most simple to the most complex cases.

4. Stellar patient satisfaction

Our Google reviews are unrivalled. We love our patients and they love us. Read them all here

5. Self-refer, self-pay

You don’t need a referral. Simply book a video or in-person appointment to get things started. We are a 100% self-pay clinic.

6. Short waits

We can offer your life-changing surgery within 4 weeks.

7. Advanced techniques

Squint and double vision surgery is an art as well as a science. Mr Ali continues to refine his own unique techniques to maximise safety and success.

8. A clear discussion of outcomes

Your likely outcome, and the chance of needing further treatment, are discussed with Mr Ali at your consultation.

10. VIP access to your surgeon

On our Signature Care package, you get 24/7 access to Mr Ali by WhatsApp during your recovery, and ongoing contact with him for eye advice after discharge. See our pricing page for what each package includes.

An international centre of excellence

These are real locations of our recent patients.

Wherever you are in UK or the world, we can see you by video then arrange your surgery in London.

Patients come to us from all over the UK and from across the world (7)
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Download Our Detailed Guide

Mr Ali has written this exclusive guide for patients with double vision.

It answers the common questions that people have when considering surgery.

See the world with straighter eyes

Book your initial appointment to find out if you are suitable for life-changing double vision surgery

See the world with straighter eyes

Book your initial appointment to find out if you are suitable for life-changing eye surgery.

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3 easy steps to free yourself from double vision

Living with double vision can really impact your life.
We’re here to help make that a thing of the past.
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Patients come to us from all over the UK and from across the world (2)

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

You’ve suffered for years. Now’s the time to end that.  Book a video or in-person appointment.

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MEET YOUR SURGEON

At your appointment, Mr Ali will discuss your double vision issues and answer any questions that you have.

You’ll leave knowing if you can finally have the surgery you want.

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ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE

The number one thing we hear from our patients after surgery is:

“You have honestly changed my life.”

And the number two thing is:

“Why didn’t I have this done sooner?”

So bite the bullet and start your journey today!

Can double vision be corrected with surgery?

Surgery can correct double vision when it is caused by the eyes not lining up, which is called binocular double vision. The operation moves the eye muscles so that the two images come together. Double vision that stays when one eye is covered has other causes, such as astigmatism, dry eyes or cataract, and eye muscle surgery does not treat it. The NHS notes that double vision affecting both eyes is usually a symptom of a squint.

Which causes of double vision can surgery treat?

Surgery is used for double vision from several causes, including problems with the nerves that control the eye muscles and eye muscle changes in thyroid eye disease. Our guides cover double vision in adults, thyroid eye disease, sixth nerve palsy, fourth nerve (superior oblique) palsy and vertical double vision.

Who is suitable for double vision surgery?

London Squint Clinic’s double vision service is for adults aged 18 and over who see two images of one object, or whose objects appear in the wrong place. You may or may not have a visible squint, and you may or may not have tried prism glasses. Whether surgery suits you depends on the cause, the size and direction of the misalignment and whether it has been stable, and this is assessed at your consultation.

How does double vision surgery work?

The operation tightens or loosens one or more eye muscles so that the eyes line up, and the muscles are held with dissolvable stitches. It is usually a day case, it usually takes less than an hour, and it is normally done under general anaesthetic, although local anaesthetic is also possible at London Squint Clinic. It is the same type of operation as adult squint surgery.

What are adjustable sutures?

Adjustable sutures let the surgeon fine-tune the position of an eye muscle after you wake up, using local anaesthetic eye drops. NHS guidance notes that this kind of adjustment may be used in adults and teenagers. Our guide to adjustable suture surgery explains who it may suit.

What results can you expect?

The operation aims to get rid of the double vision. Double vision straight after the operation is common and usually passes after a week or so, and it usually takes a few weeks before the result can be judged. NHS guidance describes needing more surgery as quite common, particularly when the misalignment is severe. If you wore glasses that partly corrected the misalignment before surgery, you may still need them afterwards. Your likely outcome is discussed at consultation.

What are the risks of double vision surgery?

Double vision surgery is generally safe, but every operation carries some risk, including over- or under-correction, double vision that lasts longer than expected, infection and redness. Serious complications are rare: a UK study by the British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit found them in about 3 in 1,000 patients having eye muscle surgery, with loss of vision in about 1 in 2,000.

How long does recovery take?

Most people go back to work within 1 to 2 weeks, although this can take longer if double vision persists and your job depends on your sight. The eye is usually red and sore for a few days, and healing continues over 6 to 8 weeks. NHS guidance advises avoiding swimming and make-up close to the eyes for 4 weeks, and not driving for at least a day or two, or for longer if you have double vision. At London Squint Clinic you use eye drops for 6 to 7 weeks and have follow-up appointments at about 2 weeks and 2 months.

How much does double vision surgery cost?

Prices for London Squint Clinic’s surgical packages, and what each package includes, are listed on our double vision surgery cost page.

Who performs the surgery?

Mr Nadeem Ali is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon (MA MB BChir MRCOphth FRCSEd(Ophth)) and a former consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital who specialises in adult squint and double vision surgery. You can read about his training and experience on his profile page, or book a consultation.

More questions about double vision surgery

Can prism glasses be used instead of surgery?

Prism glasses can help some people with double vision by shifting the image so the two eyes can join it together. They suit some misalignments better than others, and some people prefer surgery to avoid wearing them. The options are compared in our guide to prism glasses and surgery.

Do I need to tell the DVLA about double vision?

Yes. GOV.UK lists double vision among the eye conditions you must tell the DVLA about. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.

Is the result of double vision surgery final straight away?

Not always. Double vision after the operation usually passes after a week or so, and it usually takes a few weeks before the result can be judged. Sometimes further surgery is needed, particularly when the misalignment is large.

Sources: NHS, Squint surgery (reviewed 2 May 2023); NHS, Double vision (reviewed 12 January 2024); West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Squint surgery leaflet (ref. 37-2522-V1), which reports the British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit figures; GOV.UK, Eye conditions and driving.

Double vision surgery Frequently Asked Questions

To be a good candidate for double vision surgery, you should meet the following criteria:

  • Be between 18 and 100 years old.
  • Experience double vision, which means you see two images of one object.
  • Or experience visual confusion, which means objects appear in the wrong place.
  • You might or might not have a visible eye turn or squint.
  • You might or might not have tried prism glasses, which are special glasses to help with double vision.
  • You may have been denied surgery through the NHS.
  • You may have been told that surgery is not an option elsewhere.

Double vision surgery aims to fix misalignment in the eyes that causes seeing two images of one object.

During the surgery, the eye muscles are adjusted to improve their alignment. This can involve tightening or loosening the muscles to correct their position. The goal is to make both eyes work together, so you see a single, clear image instead of two.

Recovery involves some rest and follow-up visits to ensure the eyes are healing properly and functioning well together.

Advantages:

  • Outcomes: Most patients see a significant improvement; your likely outcome is discussed at your consultation.
  • Quick Procedure: Usually completed in less than an hour.
    Anesthesia Options: Choice of local or general anaesthesia.
  • Short Wait Time: Surgery can be done within a few weeks from the first consultation.
  • Day Case Surgery: No overnight stay required.
    Immediate Benefits: Many patients notice improvement from day 1.
  • Minimal Pain: Most patients experience very little discomfort afterward.

 

Disadvantages:

  • Low Risk of Complications: Serious complications are rare, but risks such as infection or adverse reactions to anaesthesia are possible.
  • Temporary Discomfort: Some patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or discomfort.
  • Potential Need for Further Adjustments: Not all patients achieve perfect results and may need additional procedures.

Double vision surgery is generally safe, but like any operation it carries risks.

However, like any surgery, there are some risks. These include:

  • Overcorrection or undercorrection, where the problem might not be fully fixed.
  • The need for a further operation, which affects a small proportion of patients.
  • New or persistent double vision, which is uncommon.
  • Loss of vision, which is very rare.
  • Redness or scarring on the white part of the eye.
  • A slight change in the shape of the eyelid.

Overall, serious complications are uncommon. Mr Ali will discuss the risks that apply to you.

Prism glasses:

Prism glasses bend light to correct its path, aligning images on the retina and reducing double vision by helping the brain merge them into one clear view.

Botulinum toxin injections:

These injections can relieve double vision temporarily by relaxing an eye muscle. However, they usually need repeating every few months and can worsen vision initially. 

Double vision surgery usually gives a longer-lasting result, although some patients need further treatment over time.

  1. Book an initial video consultation to see if surgery is right for you and discuss your options.
  2. Get pre-surgery measurements, which can be done in London or in several locations in the UK or beyond. Sometimes, these can be taken on the day of surgery.
  3. Undergo the surgery as a day case, meaning you don’t stay overnight.
  4. Say goodbye to prism glasses and start enjoying clear vision right away!
  5. Attend two follow-up appointments, one in 2 weeks and another in 2 months, to check your progress and healing.

Getting your freedom back

  • Freedom from prism glasses
  • Freedom to drive
  • Freedom to read
  • Freedom to work on a computer
  • Freedom to enjoy sports and hobbies

Further information on double vision

Read these articles by the London Squint Clinic team

When Can You Return to Driving, Work, and Exercise After Double Vision Surgery?

Navigating recovery after double vision surgery involves understanding when it's safe to resume daily activities. This post provides expert guidance on returning to driving, work, and exercise, ensuring a smooth transition back to independence and single vision. Adhering to post-operative instructions is crucial for optimal healing.

Understanding Hospital, Surgeon, and Anaesthetist Fees in Your Package

A surgical package bundles the primary costs of a procedure into a single, transparent price, typically including fees for the surgeon, anaesthetist, and hospital facility. This guide decodes your surgery package, explaining each component to ensure clarity and peace of mind regarding your private medical care.

Managing Post-Operative Discomfort: What to Expect with Pain, Redness, and Grittiness

Mild-to-moderate discomfort, redness, and a gritty sensation are common after diplopia surgery. This post explains what to expect during recovery and provides expert advice on managing these post-operative symptoms effectively. Understand the healing process and when to seek further advice.

Your Complete Guide to Recovery and Life-Changing Outcomes After Diplopia Surgery

Successful diplopia surgery recovery involves careful post-operative care and specialist management. This guide details your journey, from initial healing to the profound, life-changing outcomes of achieving lasting single vision. Discover what to expect and how expert care ensures the best results.

Surgical Approaches for Correcting Vertical Double Vision (Hypertropia)

Vertical double vision surgery corrects hypertropia, a condition where one eye is higher than the other, causing debilitating double vision. This post details the causes, key surgical approaches, and what to expect during recovery. Learn how specialist expertise can provide lasting relief.

The Diagnostic Tests Used to Measure Eye Misalignment for Surgery

Successful adult squint or double vision surgery hinges on precise diagnosis. Diagnostic tests for eye misalignment quantify deviation, assess eye muscle function, and understand eye coordination. This crucial data forms the blueprint for effective surgical planning and optimal outcomes.

Your Initial Consultation: What to Expect When You Meet Mr. Ali

An initial consultation with Mr. Ali is a crucial 60-minute diagnostic appointment. It measures eye misalignment, determines the cause of double vision or squint, and establishes if surgery is appropriate, forming the basis of your personalized treatment plan. Understand what to expect and how to prepare for this specialist evaluation.

The ‘Fine-Tuning’ Process: What Happens During Post-Operative Suture Adjustment?

Post-operative suture adjustment is a crucial refinement after squint surgery, allowing precise corrections for optimal eye alignment. This 'fine-tuning' process ensures single vision and cosmetic symmetry, enhancing life-changing outcomes for patients. Learn how expert precision matters.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon During a Double Vision Surgery Consultation

A consultation for double vision (diplopia) surgery is a discussion with an ophthalmic surgeon to determine if eye muscle surgery is right for you. This meeting is your opportunity to understand the procedure, set realistic expectations, and build confidence in your specialist. Preparing a list of questions ensures all your concerns are addressed.

Why a Surgeon’s Fellowship in Neuro-Ophthalmology Matters for Your Outcome

A neuro-ophthalmology fellowship signifies intensive, post-residency subspecialist training focused on the intricate relationship between the brain, nerves, and eyes. This expertise is crucial for diagnosing and managing complex visual problems like persistent double vision, ensuring more precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans for patients. It significantly enhances surgical outcomes.

Is Repeat Double Vision Surgery Possible After a Previous Failed Operation?

Yes, repeat double vision surgery is possible after a previous failed operation. This specialized revision surgery can restore clear, single vision and significantly improve quality of life for adults with persistent diplopia. Discover how expert assessment and advanced techniques can help.

Struggling With Double Vision? Find Out What You Can Do About It

Double vision can affect all aspects of daily life. This guide covers causes, treatments, and surgery. Download now to make an informed choice

Struggling With Double Vision? Find Out What You Can Do About It

Double vision can affect all aspects of daily life. This guide covers causes, treatments, and surgery. Download now to make an informed choice

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dr nadeem ali scaled

Hello, I’m Nadeem Ali

I’m one of the few eye surgeons in the world with 100% focus on Squint and Double Vision Surgery.

I have 24 years of eye surgery experience, and worked for 13 years as a Consultant at London’s renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital.

In 2023, I left the NHS to focus fully on treating patients from across the world at the London Squint Clinic. You can read more about me here.

There’s lots of information on the website about: squint surgery, double vision surgery and our pricing.

The most rewarding part of my job is hearing patients tell me how squint or double vision surgery has changed their lives. You can hear these stories here.

Mr Nadeem Ali

MA MB BChir MRCOphth FRCSEd(Ophth)

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