Miss Gemma Manasseh Consultant Ophthalmologist & Oculoplastic Surgeon · Bristol
Oculoplastic & cataract surgery in Bristol

Specialist care for your eyelids, tear ducts and vision

Cosmetic, reconstructive and functional eyelid and tear duct surgery, and complex cataract surgery, at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital.

MBBS, MSc, FRCOphth GMC no. 7411434 Member of BOPSS Self-pay & insured patients
Miss Gemma Manasseh, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon
About

Miss Gemma Manasseh

  • SubspecialtiesOculoplastic surgery · Cataract surgery
  • QualificationsMBBS, King's College London
    MSc Biology of Vision (Distinction), UCL
    Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
  • MembershipsBritish Oculoplastic Surgical Society (BOPSS)
  • RegistrationGeneral Medical Council no. 7411434

I am a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, specialising in cosmetic, reconstructive and functional eyelid and lacrimal surgery, and complex cataract surgery.

My training spanned more than 17 years across London, Bristol, Bath and Cheltenham, and included two fellowships, in cataract surgery and in oculoplastic surgery.

Every consultation includes a full eye examination, so that eyelid symptoms are assessed in the context of the health of the whole eye. I take time to explain your options clearly, including non-surgical approaches, and I will always give you a written summary of what we discussed, the risks and benefits, and the costs involved.

I am committed to improving outcomes through research. I hold a Master's degree with Distinction in vision research from University College London, and I have published and presented award-winning research in cataract and oculoplastic surgery. I have also written textbook chapters and peer review for several journals, including the British Medical Journal.

Conditions & treatments

What I can help with

Most conditions are assessed and treated in clinic or as day-case procedures, usually under local anaesthetic.

Close-up of an eye with a cataract

Cataract surgery

Replacement of a cloudy natural lens to restore clear vision, including complex cases.

  • Routine and complex cataracts
  • Premium lenses, including toric lenses, multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses to reduce reliance on glasses
  • OCT scanning of the retina
Eye with heavy, hooded upper eyelid skin

Blepharoplasty

Removal of excess skin, muscle or fat from the upper and lower eyelids.

  • Heavy, hooded upper lids
  • Skin resting on the lashes or in your vision
  • Lower eyelid bags
Eye with a drooping upper eyelid

Ptosis repair

Surgery to lift a drooping upper eyelid, often to improve the upper field of vision.

  • Age-related or contact lens–related ptosis
  • One or both eyelids
  • Usually under local anaesthetic
Eye with an outward-turning lower eyelid

Eyelid malposition

Correction of eyelids that turn in or out, which can cause irritation, watering and redness.

  • Entropion (inturning eyelid)
  • Ectropion (outturning eyelid)
Watery eye

Watering eyes

Assessment and treatment of blocked or narrowed tear drainage.

  • Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
  • Punctoplasty for narrowed tear openings
  • Correction of eyelid position
Eyelid tightly closed in spasm

Blepharospasm

Treatment of involuntary eyelid closure and spasm, in partnership with neurology colleagues where needed.

  • Diagnosis and assessment
  • Regular injection treatment
  • Hemifacial spasm
Eye with red, inflamed eyelid margins

Dry eye & blepharitis

Management of sore, sticky, gritty or itchy eyelids.

  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Demodex and allergic eye disease
Closed eye with lumps on the eyelids

Eyelid lumps & skin cancer

Removal of eyelid cysts, lumps and skin cancers, with reconstruction to restore eyelid function and a natural appearance.

  • Eyelid cysts (chalazion)
  • Benign eyelid lumps and lesions
  • Biopsy and complete excision of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma
  • Eyelid reconstruction with flaps and grafts
Results

Before and after

A selection of my patients' results. Every patient is different, and I will discuss what you can realistically expect at your consultation.

Your visit

What to expect

  1. Consultation

    A full history and eye examination, including vision and eye pressure checks. Please bring your glasses, contact lenses and a list of your medications.

  2. Your plan

    We discuss your options together. You will receive a detailed letter covering the findings, recommended treatment, risks and costs.

  3. Treatment

    Most procedures are performed as a day case, usually under local anaesthetic, with general anaesthetic available when appropriate.

  4. Aftercare

    Follow-up appointments are included in surgical fees, with clear written guidance on recovery and who to contact.

Fees

Self-pay and insured patients

You will receive a written, itemised quote after your consultation, including the surgeon fee, hospital fee and any anaesthetist fee.

Self-pay

New appointment: £300

Follow-up appointment: £220

Procedure fees vary depending on the treatment and are confirmed in writing before you decide to proceed.

Private medical insurance

I am recognised by Bupa (including Bupa Fee Assured), AXA Health, Aviva Health, Vitality, WPA, Cigna and Allianz Worldwide Care. Please obtain authorisation from your insurer before your appointment or procedure.

Patient reviews

Rated 4.99 out of 5 by patients

Based on 161 verified patient reviews on Doctify, across cataract, eyelid and tear duct surgery.

I can't thank Gemma enough for the care she has taken with me during the whole experience. I felt I could put my complete trust in her, especially as I am very squeamish about eyes. During the actual procedure she made sure I kept calm and reassured. Gemma is caring and gentle but at all times totally professional. Thank you once again.
Verified patient · Doctify Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)
Having had dry eyes for many years, after a few appointments with Gemma my eyes have improved amazingly, no more walking around with tissues in my hand and people asking if I’m alright as they thought I was crying. Gemma is really easy to speak to and extremely knowledgeable as an eye specialist. I would highly recommend.
Verified patient · Doctify Blocked Tear Duct (NLDO) SurgeryDry Eyes
I am absolutely thrilled with the surgery that Dr Manasseh has performed on my eyes. She is an extremely kind, professional and brilliant surgeon. She explained everything very clearly that was going to happen and kept me informed at all times. I cannot praise her high enough.
Verified patient · Doctify Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Read all reviews on Doctify
FAQs

Common questions

Do I need a referral?

A referral from your GP or optometrist is helpful, and is usually required by insurers, but self-pay patients can book directly.

Will eyelid surgery be done under local or general anaesthetic?

Most eyelid procedures are performed under local anaesthetic. Longer procedures, such as four-lid blepharoplasty or DCR, may be recommended under general anaesthetic. We will discuss what is best for you.

How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery?

Expect bruising and swelling for around two weeks, sometimes longer. Stitches are usually removed after one week. Most people return to normal activities within two weeks, avoiding strenuous activity during this time.

Is my treatment cosmetic or medical?

Some eyelid procedures are medically necessary, for example when the eyelid or excess skin blocks your vision. Others are performed to improve appearance. I will advise which applies to you, which may affect insurance cover.

Can I continue to see my NHS team?

Yes. I am happy to work alongside your GP and NHS teams, and many patients start treatment privately while waiting for NHS care.

Contact

Book a consultation

Please contact my secretary to arrange an appointment or to ask any questions about treatment and fees. Live bookings are also available online.

Book online via Nuffield Health