Corneal Transplant Surgery in London

corneal transplant

ย complimentary assessment

When keratoconus progresses beyond other treatment options, corneal transplantation offers the opportunity to restore clarity and comfort with healthy donor tissue.

What is corneal transplant surgery?

Corneal transplant surgery replaces diseased or structurally compromised corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. It is typically used for advanced cases of keratoconus where the cornea is too thin, scarred, or steep for other vision correction options.

  • In-depth eye assessment and surgical planning
  • Donor tissue matching and preparation
  • Surgical transplantation using DALK or PK techniques
  • Postoperative monitoring and medication
  • Long-term follow-up and possible suture removal

Types of Transplant Procedures:

  • Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): A partial-thickness transplant that preserves the innermost corneal layers, reducing the risk of graft rejection and maintaining the eyeโ€™s natural structure.
  • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): A full-thickness transplant used when all corneal layers are damaged. This is recommended in cases involving inner corneal scarring or endothelial dysfunction.

Benefits of Corneal Transplant Surgery:

  • Restored Vision: Replaces damaged corneal tissue to improve clarity and focus.
  • Reduced Discomfort: Relieves pain, irritation, or sensitivity caused by scarring or thinning.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Enables patients to return to work, reading, and driving.
  • Long-Term Stability: Offers a durable solution for structurally unstable corneas.
  • High Success Rates: Most patients experience significant improvement in vision post-surgery.

Is your keratoconus now affecting your daily function?

You might be ready for a corneal transplant if:

Youโ€™ve tried other treatments and still have poor vision

Your cornea is severely scarred or thin

Contact lenses are no longer wearable or effective

Youโ€™re experiencing increased light sensitivity or eye discomfort

Your NHS doctor said there are limited or no further options

Who is a candidate for corneal transplant surgery?

Criteria Corneal Transplant
Diagnosed with advanced keratoconus โœ…
Vision is not correctable with glasses or lenses โœ…
Significant corneal thinning or scarring โœ…
Other treatments (e.g. CXL, rings) are no longer effective โœ…
Medically fit for eye surgery โœ…

Stories of vision restored

Hear directly from patients whose lives were changed by surgeon-led care at The Harley Street Eye Centre.

From enquiry to clear vision

Youโ€™ll be welcomed by our clinical team, who will conduct final checks and ensure your comfort throughout

A short film walking you through assessment, treatment plan and aftercare at our Harley Street facility.

01

Free assessment

We look forward to welcoming you to your appointment and answering any questions you may have about treatment options, the clinic, timings or fees. Your consultation will include a comprehensive assessment by a consultant ophthalmologist, including vision testing and any required diagnostic imaging, to determine your suitability for treatment and develop an individualised management plan.

02

DIAGNOSIS

Following review of your assessment results, your consultant will explain the findings and discuss the most appropriate evidence-based management options, including non-surgical alternatives where relevant. The consultation will include a discussion of the expected outcomes, potential risks, recovery considerations and associated costs, enabling a shared decision on the most suitable treatment plan for your needs.

03

TREATMENT

You will be welcomed by our clinical team, who will complete final checks, confirm consent and ensure you are comfortable before treatment. The procedure is performed by your consultant using modern technology, followed by immediate post-operative assessment and provision of tailored aftercare instructions, including guidance for your recovery and onward support.

04

AFTERCARE

Good outcomes depend on structured follow-up care. We will monitor your recovery through scheduled reviews, adjust medications as required, and provide ongoing clinical advice, including guidance on symptoms, activity levels, and when to seek further support, with direct access to our team between appointments if needed.

How much does corneal transplant surgery cost?

Our team provides transparent pricing with a detailed surgical and aftercare plan following consultation and scan analysis.

The clinic behind the decision

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Surgeon-led

Never a sales team

From your first assessment to your three-month review, the consultant on the call is the consultant in the operating room. No call centre, no pressure script, no juniors fronting the clinical decisions.

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50+ years

Of combined expertise

A senior consultant roster whose careers, taken together, span more than half a century of corneal, cataract, refractive and retinal surgery , across the NHS, internationally and at 22a Harley Street.

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7,700+

Successful treatments

Our advanced treatments are supported by detailed assessments, proven techniques and personalised care plans designed around each patientโ€™s individual needs. From diagnosis through to recovery and ongoing monitoring, we focus on delivering safe, effective treatment pathways with your vision and eye health as the priority.

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40+ years

From your lead surgeon

Mr Marwan Ghabra has been operating since 1985 , founder of the Ghabra Technique, founding member of the International Keratoconus Society, and the surgeon who will plan and perform your procedure.

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Same-day

Clinical decisions

Most enquiries are seen the same week. Urgent cases , corneal damage, sudden change, infection , are seen the same day where clinically possible.

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12 months

Of aftercare cover

Four post-op reviews over three months, direct team access in between, and twelve-month retreatment cover on most laser procedures, included in the original quote.

marwan hakam together (3) 1 (3)

Mr Marwan Ghabra

Founder and medical director. Cornea, cataract and refractive specialist. Originator of the Ghabra Technique for advanced keratoconus, and founding member of the International Keratoconus Society.

He performed the first phacoemulsification cataract procedure in Damascus in 1998, and continues to take on the complex cases that other clinics decline.

International patients

We welcome international patients seeking advanced keratoconus care. Our expert team can coordinate evaluations, surgery, and follow-ups to suit your travel schedule, providing a smooth treatment experience while youโ€™re in London.

Download the keratoconus information pack

Keratoconus Management Brochure

Find out if itโ€™s the right choice for your eyes.

Your keratoconus assessment is complimentary. An hour with our diagnostic team and a real conversation with the surgeon who would treat you. No obligation.