Ocularist / Prosthesis Services

Restoring Appearance and Confidence After Eye Loss

The loss of an eye — whether from trauma, disease, or surgery — is a profound and life-changing experience. Beyond the physical adjustment, there is an emotional and psychological dimension that is equally significant. A well-fitted, natural-looking ocular prosthesis — an artificial eye — can restore appearance, confidence, and a sense of normality in a way that nothing else can. At RGC Eye Hospital, our ocularist service provides expert fitting, care, and long-term support for patients who require an ocular prosthesis.

What Is an Ocular Prosthesis?

An ocular prosthesis — commonly called an artificial eye — is a custom-made shell that fits over a surgically implanted orbital implant or within the eye socket after eye removal. Modern prostheses are made from high-quality acrylic and are hand-painted to match the colour and appearance of the fellow eye with extraordinary precision. When properly fitted and polished, a well-made artificial eye is virtually indistinguishable from a natural eye and moves naturally with the muscles of the socket.

When Is a Prosthesis Needed?

• After removal of an eye (enucleation or evisceration) due to trauma or disease
• For a blind, disfigured, or shrunken eye that causes discomfort or cosmetic concern
• For patients born without a normal eye who have never worn a prosthesis before
• To replace a worn or ill-fitting existing prosthesis that no longer fits correctly

Our Prosthesis Service

Initial Assessment

We begin with a careful examination of the eye socket to assess its shape, size, and the condition of the conjunctival lining. We discuss your expectations, answer your questions, and explain the process clearly so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Custom Fitting and Fabrication

An impression of the socket is taken to ensure the prosthesis is shaped precisely to fit your individual anatomy. The prosthesis is then fabricated and hand-painted to match your fellow eye as closely as possible in iris colour, pupil size, and the pattern of visible blood vessels on the white of the eye.

Fitting and Training

Once the prosthesis is ready, it is fitted carefully and you are taught how to insert, remove, and clean it correctly. Proper care and handling are essential for the long-term health of the socket and the longevity of the prosthesis.

Ongoing Care and Polishing

Prosthetic eyes require regular professional polishing to maintain their clarity and lustre, and periodic refitting as the socket changes shape over time. We recommend a check-up and polish at least once a year, and we are always available to address any problems that arise between scheduled visits.

Why Patients Trust RGC Eye Hospital

• Experienced ocularist service providing custom-fitted, natural-looking prostheses
• A sensitive, patient-centred approach that acknowledges the emotional dimension of eye loss
• Thorough training in prosthesis care and handling so you feel confident at home
• Long-term follow-up and care including regular polishing and refitting as needed