This appointment will vary depending on why the patient is here.
If it is not the their first time at the clinic then we will;-
Assess the artificial eye for fit, comfort, cosmesis, and condition.
Wash and polish the artificial eye to remove any blemishes and restore shine.
Invite the patient back to have a new fitting carried out if required.
Advise the patient to contact us to arrange an annual check-up if everything is okay.
This appointment will take around 20 minutes.
If the patient is attending after surgery and is wearing a conformer then we will;
Remove the conformer and assess the healing of the socket.
Fit and supply a temporary artificial eye if the socket is healing well. This artificial eye will be worn until the definitive one is made.
Teach the patient how to handle and care for their new eye and answer any questions or concerns.
Answer any questions or concerns.
This appointment will take around 1 hour sometimes longer
The Impression
At this appointment we will;-
Take an impression of inside the eye socket using a cold cream (alginate). This only takes a few minutes
Collect accurate colour samples to match the patients own eye
Write detailed notes to help us reproduce the iris in oil paint
Take a close up photograph of the patients natural eye
This appointment takes around 30 minutes
The Fitting
At this appointment we will;-
Insert a wax model of the eye into the eye socket and assess.
Make alterations to gain the optimum combination of comfort, appearance and movement.
Attach the iris specially painted to the model.
Note details such as white colour and veining to assist us when manufacturing the artificial eye.
Show the patient the model in situ.
This appointment will take around 1 hour
The patient will not take possession of the eye at this appointment.
The Supply
After approximately 6 weeks we will have manufactured the new artificial eye and it will be ready for collection.
At this appointment we will;-
Insert and assess the new artificial eye
Make any necessary modifications.
Discuss with patient any issues or suggestions they may have.
There are several different types of artificial eye which can be worn in the eye socket for different purposes. Here you will find an explanation of what each one is and why it is used.
Types of ocular prosthesis
Conformer
Clear silicone or acrylic conformers retain socket shape post surgery whilst healing process is underway. They should stay in place until approximately 6 weeks after surgery.
Artificial Eye
Worn inside the eye socket in the absence of an eye(s) due to enucleation/evisceration to treat cancer, traumatic eye injury, blind painful eye or anophthalmos (born without an eye). Made from PPMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) – Acrylic. A unique artificial eye is produced from a mould taken of the individuals socket. A moulded eye ensures the best possible fit and maximises any movement from underlying muscles upon directional gaze. Painted by hand to best match the fellow eye.
Cosmetic Shell
Worn over a blind, shrunken and cosmetically poor eye. Essentially a cosmetic shell is the same as an artificial eye but usually much thinner to accommodate the underlying eye. To enable wearing of a cosmetic shell the eye must be somewhat shrunken (phthisical) to allow for space to insert the shell without the eye looking too large. It also allows the Ocularist to paint on the surface. Fitting a cosmetic shell can be trickier than an artificial eye due to the irregular nature of the underlying eyes surface and sometimes because of eye sensitivity. A trial period is necessary with a cosmetic shell to assess whether it is a viable option or not. A cosmetic shell is not intended to be worn permanently.
Socket Expander
Socket expansion is often necessary for children with anophthalmia or microphthalmia (no eye/eyes or very small eye/eyes). An ophthalmology Consultant will refer a child to our service if they have been born with one of these conditions. A course of intensive treatment will take place to try and expand the dimensions of the socket as the child grows. A series of clear conformers, increasing in size will worn. The aim of this is to promote growth within the socket and to support bone growth as the child develops. After reaching an optimal size, a painted artificial eye will be an option.
Insertion and removal of an artificial eye
Always handle an artificial eye with clean hands!!
The eyelids hold an artificial eye inside the socket. To remove the artificial eye gently pull down the lower lid until the edge of the prosthesis is visible. Using a fingertip, ease the bottom of the artificial eye out. Looking upwards can also make it a bit easier to come out. Plastic extractors and rubber suction cups can also be provided by the clinic for anyone who struggles to get their prosthesis out using this method.
To reinsert an artificial eye is the reversal of the previous method. Start by holding the artificial eye with the most pointed area towards the nose, lift the upper eyelid and slide the prosthesis directly up and into the socket. Then pull down the lower lid, and secure the eye inside the lower lid. Useful tip – the artificial eye will slide in easier when wet, so running under water or using artificial tears can help.
Care of an artificial eye
How often someone removes their artificial eye for cleaning is mostly down to personal preference, although it is something we encourage.
An artificial eye requires minimal maintenance as long as there is no discomfort or excessive discharge. It should always be in the socket including when sleeping. We strongly discourage leaving the artificial eye out for long periods. Although rare, sockets will sometimes contract (shrink) if the eye is not in for a period of time. Removing the eye for only a short time when cleaning, can hopefully avoid this from ever happening.
Note for cosmetic shell wearers – Typical wear time for a shell is 8-12 hours and the wearer should always remove it before sleeping. The underlying eye needs a rest and if worn constantly could lead to the eye becoming red and very painful possibly sustaining further damage.
Some stickiness upon waking in the morning is normal. Most wearers report this to be the case and they can clean it away without actually having to remove the eye.
Should the artificial eye become irritable removing and washing can often resolve the issue. Sometimes a build-up of dirt on the surface can result in a gritty feeling when blinking. A foreign body such as a trapped eyelash can also cause irritation.
When washing, use warm water and whichever hand soap you like, many prefer a fragrance free soap. Rub the artificial eye between the fingers and thumb to remove any surface deposit and rinse the eye well before re inserting. Tip – always make sure the plug is in the sink when cleaning an artificial eye as if it drops down it is gone!
No specialist cleaners required. It is not advisable to use boiling water, abrasives, chemicals or detergents as these can permanently damage an artificial eye.
Will my eye move?
Many people are surprised to find that an artificial eye can actually move.
In most cases of surgery when removing an eye the surgeon will insert an orbital implant into the socket. This ball shaped implant which is buried under the surface (you cannot see it) serves to replace the lost volume. This means the artificial eye made to fit the socket will often be lighter and thinner which helps gain better movement.
This obviously can vary from person to person depending on how they lost their eye in the first instance but usually there is some degree of movement. We always hope that the eye can attain what we call “conversational movement”. This is the small movements your eyes make when talking to someone rather than the extreme side to side and up and down movements.
How long does an artificial eye last?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Whilst we recommend someone have their artificial eye checked every year, this does not mean they need a new one each time!
Common reasons for replacing an artificial eye
Damage – a crack or chip which we are unable to simply repair. Or the material may have become worn or degraded over time.
Colour change – changes to the real eye or paint fade in the artificial eye may mean it no longer matches the fellow eye well.
Poor fit – surgical alteration or natural changes ie weight change can impact the fit of an eye.
Children usually need their artificial eye replaced more frequently as they are still growing. However adults who take good care of their eye and have no issues can wear their eye happily for many years.
Does having an artificial eye mean I am partially sighted?
In most cases no it does not, although it is easy to understand why people would presume this.
Often people who have only one eye have better eyesight in their remaining eye than people who have both eyes. If a person is struggling with their vision they will need to get a referral from their G.P. to an Ophthalmologist who will assess their eligibility for sight impairment registration. This is not something we can assess at the artificial eye clinic.
Can I swim with an artificial eye?
People do not have to give up swimming if they wear an artificial eye. However, we do advise wearing goggles. Especially if diving in a pool or sea swimming. If the eye happened to become dislodged the chances of finding it again are very slim!
The Ocular Prosthetic Service (Artificial Eye) is based in the Ophthalmology Department of Gartnavel General Hospital. It provides treatments to patients living in the West of Scotland.
The Ocularists role is to supply bespoke, hand crafted artificial eyes and cosmetic shells, created to match the patient’s own natural eye. Aftercare is also provided to maintain the fit and condition of the prosthesis with the aim of ensuring optimal cosmesis and a healthy eye socket.
About the Team
There are two full time members of staff working in the clinic who provide treatment Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm.
Patients will see one of our Ocularists. Kirsty Craig and Claire Moore, both highly skilled with many years of experience in the field of ocular prosthetics.
Referral and contact information
If you are a patient who requires an appointment and it has been less than 2 years since your last visit then you can simply give us a call on the contact details below to arrange this.
*Note if you phone and it rings out please call back at a different time – we are most likely treating a patient and unable to answer.
If however, it has been longer than 2 years since you last attended the service or you have never been before then a new referral will be required. Your own Optician or your G.P. practice can send this. Most often you will not have to book an appointment with them to facilitate this but instead a phone call to them to request they refer you to us will be suffice.
We accept referrals from the following health boards;
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS North of Scotland, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Forth Valley and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
MACS website – Support for Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma. Here you will find a very helpful section on prosthetic eyes for children found under “resources”
Cases of human mpox have been reported in multiple countries that have not previously had mpox in animal or human populations, including the UK. Clade I mpox remains an High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID). Since January 2023, clade II mpox is no longer considered a HCID within the UK.
These posters can be used when donning and doffing PPE used where there is a high possibility or confirmed case of VHF and confirmed or suspected Mpox Clade I (HCID).
Mental Health Services are being redesigned to enable us to respond and better support people experiencing mental illness. We are engaging with staff, the public, patients and service users around inpatient mental health provision, working towards an improved service for the future.
Staff Engagement Sessions
A number of staff engagement sessions were held in person and online over October / November 2024 with two follow up sessions January 2025.
The NHSGGC Mental Health Strategy 2023-28 proposes a system of stepped/matched care, with people entering at the right level of intensity of treatment and allowing for movement through different levels of care. It aims to:
Shift the balance of care into the community and better meet the needs of the patients, as more people access care through expanded community-based services.
Deliver prevention and early intervention; including mental wellbeing and suicide prevention training for all staff, expanding computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) services and supporting Wellbeing in primary care.
Develop the focus on Recovery across community teams and inpatient settings.
Improve the effectiveness of community services; including developing group based Psychological Therapies, offering Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) which gives people control over return appointments, such as when symptoms or circumstances change, reducing appointments of low clinical value.
Develop Unscheduled Care; Mental Health Assessment Units diverting people with Mental Health problems who do not require physical / medical treatment from Emergency Departments, community mental health acute care services offering intense support as an alternative to hospital admission and commissioned services to provide help to people in distress where a non-clinical response is more appropriate.
The ongoing and proposed range of community developments represents new ways of working across primary, secondary and community services. They will improve care across the whole spectrum of mental health problems, but importantly and mainly for those with the most severe and complex mental disorder.
The NHSGGC strategy contributes to delivering the Scottish Government’s 2023 Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
We value the feedback of our patients, service users and carers.
Mental health psychiatric and wider mental health related services across the six Health and Care Social Partnerships across NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde are further developing our approach to engaging openly and effectively with people who need to access care. This includes redesigning services and changing how staff and services work with people who access care. Examples of current engagement and involvement are described below.
We have previously asked people who access services, carers and family members about what matters to them the most when they need to use the services we provide. We intend to build on previous and informal work already undertaken. In summary, people who use mental health services told us what matters is that staff and services:
Take time with them and listen to them
Take care of people, look after them and make sure they get the right treatment when they need it
Explain all they need to know and involve them in decision making
Are knowledgeable, safe and can be trusted
Show they care, are compassionate and show empathy
Are friendly, kind, competent and staff are professional
Communicate with the people who matter to them regarding their progress and condition
Provide good continuity of care and well-managed frequent service delivery in relation to their needs, at the right time and at the right intensity
Offer assertive community treatment and respond more adequately to people’s diverse social, psychological and biological needs as opposed to being hospitalised
Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow are an independent and user-led key organisation. Their support has led to very well-developed engagement structures across the NHSGGC area for people who are receiving mental health treatment and support. This engagement takes place across the breadth of the mental health treatment journey from inpatient settings to community services and includes development of strategy. In their own words:
” Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow is a Glasgow charity working with individuals and their carers living with mental health challenges. Our mission is to provide accessible, compassionate support that empowers people to take control of their mental well-being and lead fulfilling lives. To our members we offer a safe place that people can meet up with others who have their own lived experience of mental health challenges.
In our groups we offer peer support, wellbeing sessions and workshops designed to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. With a strong focus on the voice of lived experience. Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow is committed to mental health education, striving to influence policy changes that promote better mental health services across the country.
We believe in building a community where no one feels alone in their mental health journey, and everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. “
Their work with NHSGGC mental health services includes:
Conversation sessions across inpatient wards with service users and carers
SPSP (Scottish Patient Safety Programme) and Royal College of Psychiatrists Accreditation work to engage with the most vulnerable and unwell people using hospital services and give them a chance to feedback on the service they receive, with a particular focus on their safety.
‘15 Step Challenge’ visits, which use mystery shopping approaches to help understand what service users and carers experience when they first arrive in a healthcare setting, and provide feedback to services.
Community and unscheduled care – Collecting / collating postcard feedback, completing questionnaires with service users, and organising and participating in reference groups.
Strategy and services development – including the mental health strategy programme board, physical health care for mental health service users, and service reviews.
Borderline Personality Disorder Dialogues
One reference group facilitated through the Mental Health Network is the BPD Dialogues Group. This is a group of people who have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder) and living experience of using NHSGGC services. The group’s purpose is to contribute to planning better services for people with a BPD diagnosis. The name of the group was chosen by its members to represent the fact that there are different views about diagnosis and many aspects of care, and that this group aims to respect and represent all views.
Other information on current and ongoing mental health services engagement can be found in the Getting Involved section of the website.
The NHSGGC Mental Health Strategy 2023-28 proposes a system of stepped/matched care, with people entering at the right level of intensity of treatment and allowing for movement through different levels of care. It aims to:
Shift the balance of care into the community and better meet the needs of the patients, as more people access care through expanded community-based services.
Deliver prevention and early intervention, including mental wellbeing and suicide prevention training for all staff, expanding computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) services and supporting Wellbeing in primary care.
Develop the focus on Recovery across community teams and inpatient settings.
Improve the effectiveness of community services; including developing group based Psychological Therapies, offering Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) which gives people control over return appointments, such as when symptoms or circumstances change, reducing appointments of low clinical value.
Develop Unscheduled Care; Mental Health Assessment Units diverting people with Mental Health problems who do not require physical / medical treatment from Emergency Departments, community mental health acute care services offering intense support as an alternative to hospital admission and commissioned services to provide help to people in distress where a non-clinical response is more appropriate.
The ongoing and proposed range of community developments represents new ways of working across primary, secondary and community services. They will improve care across the whole spectrum of mental health problems, but importantly and mainly for those with the most severe and complex mental disorder.
The NHSGGC strategy contributes to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s 2023 Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
