Concierge ophthalmology · London
Cornea transplant, by a consultant corneal surgeon.
A full patient guide to keratoplasty — PK, DALK, DSAEK, DMEK and Boston KPro — with the right graft chosen for your cornea, and long-term surveillance built in.
Why patients choose us
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A consultant corneal surgeon, named
Not a rotating list. A named consultant with a corneal fellowship and a personal series in keratoplasty — the same surgeon from workup to long-term review.
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The right graft for the right eye
PK, DALK, DSAEK, DMEK or Boston KPro — you are told honestly which technique fits your cornea, and why the others don’t.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private cornea transplant costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics — inclusive of surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre, donor tissue fee and a package of follow-up.
In short
A DMEK graft in our network: £7,500–£11,000, most patients home the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation with corneal surgeon | £250–£450 | 45 min | Same visit |
| Corneal workup (topography, OCT, pachymetry) | £350–£700 | 60 min | Same visit |
| DMEK — endothelial graft | £7,500–£11,000 | 60–90 min | Day case |
| DSAEK — endothelial graft | £7,000–£10,000 | 60–90 min | Day case |
| DALK — deep anterior lamellar graft | £8,500–£12,500 | 90–120 min | 1 night |
| PK — penetrating keratoplasty | £8,000–£12,000 | 90–120 min | 1 night |
| Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) | £15,000–£25,000 | 2–3 hours | 1–2 nights |
Prices vary by hospital, by which corneal surgeon does the case, and by whether cataract surgery or a lens implant is combined at the same sitting. We come back with a firm quote within one to two working days.
The problem
The right surgeon, the right graft, the right long-term follow-up.
Corneal transplantation is a subspecialty. The choice between PK, DALK, DSAEK, DMEK and KPro matters, and the surveillance that follows matters even more. Both need a corneal surgeon, not a general ophthalmologist.
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Not sure a graft is needed?
Cross-linking, rigid contact lenses and observation are often enough. We say so before you agree to surgery.
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Worried about rejection?
DMEK has lower rejection risk than PK. The technique choice is part of the honest conversation, not a footnote.
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Want long-term care?
Corneal grafts need years of surveillance. We match you to a surgeon who runs a proper long-term clinic.
The journey
From workup to long-term review — what happens, in order.
One consultant from first message to years of graft surveillance — including the drops, the rejection watch and the refractive tidy-up.
Phase 1 · Workup and listing
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · Surgery day
A day at the hospital
Phase 3 · Long-term surveillance
Years, not weeks
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Diagnosis so far, scans, refraction, previous surgery and how your vision affects daily life.
- 02
Before
Workup with the corneal surgeon
Slit lamp, topography, pachymetry, specular microscopy and OCT of the cornea — used to decide whether a full-thickness or lamellar graft is right.
- 03
Before
Listing and donor tissue
You are listed with the eye bank (NHS Blood and Transplant). Suitable donor cornea is typically available within days to a few weeks.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the hospital
Consent and a chat with the surgeon and anaesthetist. Most grafts are done under LA with sedation; GA is offered when preferred or clinically indicated.
- 05
On the day
The operation itself
45–120 minutes in a licensed theatre. PK uses a full-thickness disc; DALK preserves the endothelium; DSAEK and DMEK replace only the inner layer.
- 06
On the day
Home the same or next day
Most patients go home the same day with a shield over the eye. DMEK cases often lie face-up for a period to help the graft settle.
- 07
After
Long visual rehabilitation
Topical steroids continue for months — often long-term or lifelong after PK. Vision refines over weeks (endothelial) to a year or more (PK). Spectacles or a contact lens usually finish the refraction.
Typical end-to-end: 2–6 weeks from workup to surgery. Visual rehabilitation: weeks (DMEK) to a year or more (PK).
When it helps
When a cornea transplant is the right step.
The conditions we see most, plus the one red flag that means a same-day ophthalmology call rather than a routine appointment.
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Keratoconus
Progressive corneal thinning and steepening — DALK is usually preferred once contact lenses and cross-linking are exhausted.
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Fuchs endothelial dystrophy
Age-related loss of endothelial cells causing corneal swelling and blurred morning vision — treated with DMEK or DSAEK.
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Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy
Corneal decompensation after cataract surgery — again, DMEK or DSAEK replaces the failed inner layer.
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Corneal scars and old infections
Scarring from herpes simplex, bacterial keratitis or trauma often needs DALK or PK for visual rehabilitation.
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Previous graft failure
A second or third graft is often possible — sometimes with a switch of technique, sometimes with a keratoprosthesis.
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Corneal dystrophies and degenerations
Stromal dystrophies, band keratopathy and lipid keratopathy affecting vision are considered for lamellar or full-thickness grafts.
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High-risk eyes (Boston KPro)
For eyes that have failed multiple grafts, or severe autoimmune surface disease, a Boston keratoprosthesis is discussed.
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Red flag: rejection episode
A sudden red, painful, photophobic eye with dropping vision in a grafted eye is graft rejection — same-day ophthalmology, not a routine appointment.
Graft options
One name, five very different operations.
What each type of keratoplasty actually involves — and which cornea it belongs to.
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Penetrating keratoplasty (PK)
A full-thickness disc of cornea is replaced. Still the default for scars involving all layers and for many redo cases.
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Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK)
The stroma is replaced while your own healthy endothelium is preserved — the graft of choice for keratoconus and anterior scars.
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DSAEK
Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty — a thin posterior graft for Fuchs and bullous keratopathy. Robust and forgiving.
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DMEK
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty — an ultra-thin graft with the best visual outcomes for endothelial disease, in the right hands.
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Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro)
An artificial cornea for eyes that have failed conventional grafts or have severe surface disease.
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Repeat / redo graft
A second graft in an eye where the first has failed — often with a change of technique to reduce further rejection risk.
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Combined graft with cataract surgery
Triple procedure — graft, cataract removal and lens implant at the same sitting — when both are contributing to poor vision.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of whether a transplant is needed at all — including cross-linking, rigid contact lenses and observation.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of corneal surgeons, we picked them.
Consultant corneal surgeons across central London teaching hospitals and private practice. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every corneal surgeon in our network.
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Consultant corneal surgeons with a formal corneal / anterior segment fellowship
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Personal experience across PK, DALK, DSAEK and DMEK — not just one technique
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Licensed theatres with donor tissue via NHS Blood and Transplant / recognised eye banks
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Structured long-term follow-up — corneal grafts need years, not weeks, of surveillance
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
Corneal transplantation is one of the most successful transplants in medicine — but it is still an eye operation, and the long game matters as much as the day itself.
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Graft rejection is the main long-term risk
An immune-mediated attack on the donor tissue. Highest risk in PK, lower in DMEK. Sudden redness, pain, photophobia or dropping vision needs same-day review.
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Topical steroids — often long-term
Steroid drops are tapered over months. After PK many patients stay on a low-dose steroid drop long-term or for life to reduce rejection risk.
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Antibiotic drops and shield
A topical antibiotic and a plastic shield at night protect the eye in the early weeks. You are shown exactly how and when to use each drop.
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Visual rehabilitation takes months
Endothelial grafts often see well within weeks. PK vision can keep refining for a year or more, and usually needs glasses or a rigid contact lens at the end.
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Refractive surprise is expected
Astigmatism after PK can be significant. Sutures are adjusted, and rigid gas-permeable or scleral lenses are commonly used to finish the refraction.
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Face-up positioning after DMEK
DMEK grafts are held against the back of the cornea by an air or gas bubble — you may be asked to lie face-up for periods over 24–48 hours.
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Cataract, glaucoma and infection
Steroid drops can raise eye pressure. Cataract can develop or progress. Infection is uncommon but taken seriously — hence the shield and drops.
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Trauma protection — for life
A grafted eye is more vulnerable to injury. Polycarbonate glasses for sport, and no rubbing — the wound edge does not fully regain original strength.
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Red flags
Sudden red / painful / photophobic eye, sudden drop in vision, floaters or flashes, or discharge — call ophthalmology the same day, and A&E out of hours.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever graft was used, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Diagnosis and graft chosen
Why the transplant was done — keratoconus, Fuchs, scar, redo — and which technique was used (PK / DALK / DSAEK / DMEK / KPro).
- 02 Technique
Donor tissue, trephine size, sutures
Donor age and endothelial cell count, trephine or graft diameter, suture pattern (interrupted, running, or combination) and any intra-op events.
- 03 Findings
Anterior segment and combined procedures
Notes on the lens, iris, angle and posterior segment where visible — and any combined step such as cataract surgery.
- 04 Impression
Drop regimen, positioning, review plan
Read this first: the drop schedule, any face-up positioning, when to seek urgent review, and the follow-up interval.
Sources & guidance
Who this page draws on.
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The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Corneal transplantation — patient information and clinical guidance.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology. Corneal transplantation — EyeWiki and preferred practice patterns.
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Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA). Medical standards for eye banking.
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NHS Blood and Transplant. Ocular tissue services — donor cornea supply in the UK.
Published 2026-07-30 · Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board () · Next review 2027-07-30 · 8 min read
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for cornea transplant varies by insurer and by diagnosis — usually well funded when medically indicated. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about cornea transplants.
Quick answers on graft type, donor tissue, rejection, recovery, and what happens if a graft fails.
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Do I actually need a full cornea transplant, or just a partial one?
It depends on which layers are damaged — modern surgeons rarely do a full-thickness graft when a partial one will do. Keratoconus and stromal scars usually take DALK (front layers), while endothelial failure from Fuchs’ dystrophy or after cataract surgery is treated with DSAEK or DMEK (inner layer only); London corneal specialists at Moorfields and the private sector will size the operation to the pathology, with waits typically 6–12 weeks privately.
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How do I know which type of graft I need?
It depends on which layers of your cornea are diseased. Keratoconus and anterior scars usually get DALK. Fuchs dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy get DMEK or DSAEK. Full-thickness disease or failed grafts often need PK, and eyes that have failed several grafts are considered for a Boston KPro.
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Where does the donor tissue come from?
In the UK, corneal tissue is provided through NHS Blood and Transplant’s eye banks. Donors are screened for infection and endothelial cell count. Waiting times are typically days to a few weeks — much shorter than for other organs.
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Is the surgery done under local or general anaesthetic?
Most corneal grafts are performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation. A general anaesthetic is offered if you prefer it or if it is clinically safer — for example in very anxious patients, children, or long combined procedures.
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How much does a private cornea transplant cost in London?
Roughly £7,000–£11,000 for DMEK / DSAEK, £8,000–£12,500 for PK or DALK, and £15,000–£25,000 for a Boston keratoprosthesis. These figures include the surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre, donor tissue fee and a package of follow-up. We confirm firm figures before booking.
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How long does recovery take?
For DMEK, most patients see well within a few weeks. DSAEK is a little slower. DALK vision refines over several months. PK can keep improving for a year or more, and usually needs glasses or a rigid contact lens at the end. Steroid drops continue throughout, often long-term for PK.
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What is graft rejection and how likely is it?
Rejection is an immune-mediated attack on the donor tissue. Risk is highest with PK (around 20% lifetime) and much lower with DMEK. It presents as a sudden red, painful, photophobic eye with dropping vision — treated urgently with intensive steroids, often successfully if caught early.
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Will I need glasses or contact lenses after the graft?
Almost certainly. A refractive surprise is expected — especially after PK, where astigmatism can be substantial. Suture adjustments, glasses, and rigid gas-permeable or scleral contact lenses are the usual finishing steps.
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What happens if the graft fails?
A repeat graft is usually possible, and often uses a different technique to reduce further rejection risk. In eyes that fail several grafts, or in severe surface disease, a Boston KPro is considered.
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When should I contact ophthalmology urgently?
A sudden red, painful or very light-sensitive eye, a sudden drop in vision, new floaters or flashes, discharge, or trauma to the eye all need same-day ophthalmology review — A&E out of hours.
Related tests
Looking for something else?
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Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
The scan that maps the layers of the cornea and retina.
Learn more -
Ophthalmic diagnostic testing
Full workup: topography, pachymetry, specular microscopy and more.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more -
Cataracts
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Glaucoma
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Eye Test
Related diagnostic test.
Learn more
In practice, in London
Why private cornea transplant moves differently in London
For cornea transplant, the private London route is mostly about consultant fit and hospital choice rather than raw waiting time. Public provision for cornea transplant is competent but constrained by capacity. Private London clinics tend to have shorter diaries and longer appointment slots, so you get the same specialists with more time. For people who’ve been going round in circles with primary care, that first proper conversation is often what shifts things.
Once you’re in the private system for cornea transplant, the pace picks up noticeably. Consultant slots run to time, imaging is usually available in the same building or a short walk away, and the report comes back typed and detailed. It’s the coordination that tends to feel different — one person on the other end of the phone, not a switchboard. For cornea transplant in particular, we bias towards consultants who do this every week rather than every month.
The value of going through a concierge for cornea transplant isn’t access — anyone with an insurer or a credit card can get a private appointment in London. The value is knowing which consultant reads this particular presentation best, which unit turns reports around fastest, and which pathway won’t hit a dead end if the findings point somewhere unexpected.