Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the City Eye Hospital FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) section, where we share the most-asked queries about our practice, facilities, medical services and more.

If you have a question or concern that has not been tackled in this section, please contact us. We are always glad to share valuable information that will enable you to maintain healthy eye care and good vision.

FAQs about City Eye Hospital

-
Do you have branches outside Nairobi?
We currently do not have facilities outside Nairobi.
+
What areas does City Eye Hospital specialise in?
With specialised ophthalmologists, optometrists, licensed opticians and highly trained staff, we provide an extensive range of medical services. Our range of specialities include: ● Retina specialist ● Corneal specialist ● Paediatric specialist ● Oculoplastic specialist ● LASIK consultations ● Optical consultations and eyeglass/contact fittings Visit our Medical Services page to view our Main Hospital services and the services offered at our Appointment Clinic.
+
What should I expect as a new patient?
As a new patient, we will first discuss your eye concern or condition and ask about your medical history. A thorough examination will then follow. We may request examinations and tests to assist and support our diagnosis. We will discuss with you the results of your examinations and recommend the treatment. If follow-up or further consultations are required, our staff will help you set a favourable time for your next appointment.
+
When are you open?
Our Main Hospital is open Monday–Friday from 8am–4pm, while our Appointment Clinic is open Monday–Friday from 7.30am–4.30pm.
+
Do you take NHIF?
Yes, we accept NHIF and Jubilee Insurance at our Main Hospital and a number of insurance providers at our Appointment Clinic. Please visit our Financing and Insurance section for a more in-depth breakdown.

FAQs about Eye Exams and Optical Concerns

+
If I am looking to stop using glasses and/or contact lenses, what are my options?
This depends on your age, eye condition and glasses/contacts prescription. Young people in their 20s to 50s can be candidates for LASIK to correct their distance vision. Older people have the option of refractive lens exchange, which can help both with distance and reading vision. Your eye doctor will take you through the possibilities and specifics.
+
Do eye glasses damage the eyes? Must I must wear them for life?
Eye glasses do not damage the eye, if they are of the correct prescription. You can wear your glasses for as long as the ophthalmologist advises.
+
How often should I have an eye exam?
The frequency of your eye exams differs depending on age as well as individual eye health. For more information on our comprehensive eye exams and what to expect, visit our General Ophthalmology page.
+
What does an eye exam at City Eye Hospital entail?
Our eye exam is exceedingly comprehensive in nature. We usually assess for: ● External eye health related to tears, eyelids and eyelashes ● Internal eye health where we examine the retina, macula, iris and other parts of the eye ● Eye focus tests for reading and sustained near work ● Eye pressure test to determine if you have or are at risk of glaucoma ● Eye muscle control and coordination tests to check for conditions such as lazy eye ● In case you need eyeglasses or contacts, we do a refraction test to determine what power prescription you will need. For more information on our comprehensive eye exams and what to expect, visit our General Ophthalmology page.
+
What is the difference between an optometrist, ophthalmologist and optician?
● Optometrists are medical eye doctors who can prescribe medications and treat nearly all the various eye diseases and conditions but do not perform surgeries. ● Ophthalmologists are medical eye doctors who can prescribe medications, treat the various eye diseases and conditions and perform eye surgeries. Ophthalmologists also tend to have specialised in an area, for example, glaucoma, retina, cornea or paediatric. ● Opticians are trained professionals who can help you select and fit your prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses as well as advise you on frames and lenses or lens coatings. However, they do not give eye exams, diagnose or treat eye problems, hence work on prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
+
Why do I suddenly need glasses to read?
Our ability to focus up close generally decreases as we age into our forties and beyond. This can be corrected with non-prescription or prescription reading glasses or bifocals.
+
Do I still need an eye exam if I have no eye concerns and my vision is great?
A number of serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often have little or no symptoms until they are well developed. Periodic eye exams are thus the only way to diagnose these conditions early enough to allow early intervention to preserve your vision. For more information on our comprehensive eye exams and what to expect, visit our General Ophthalmology page.

FAQs about Common Eye Conditions and Treatment

+
Who is at risk of suffering from diabetic retinopathy?
Everyone with diabetes is at risk of suffering from diabetic retinopathy, which can cause damage to the retinal blood vessels, leading to blurry vision and even blindness. That is why one should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam regularly.
+
Are eye surgeries painful?
Before any surgical procedure, one is given an anaesthetic to numb the eye, ensuring a painless procedure. However, in the case of pain, the ophthalmologist will advise on pain management options.
+
Is blindness reversible?
There is reversible and irreversible blindness. Blindness caused by cataracts is reversible while blindness as a result of diabetes or end-stage glaucoma is not. This is why it is recommended that you have regular eye exams. For information on our comprehensive eye exams and what to expect, visit our General Ophthalmology page.
+
If I have an eye condition, are procedures done immediately?
It depends on the condition. Procedures are classified into three categories: emergency (needs to be operated on immediately), elective (procedure can be scheduled for a later date) and urgent (procedure is required immediately).
+
What is the difference between local and general anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is given to numb a specific part of the body, e.g., the eye, before the operation is done. General anesthesia is given to numb the whole body.