New private service offers reassurance and specialist screening for patients taking GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Moorfields Private has launched a new eye health assessment service for people taking GLP-1 weight loss medications, providing access to specialist retinal screening and expert ophthalmic advice for patients who are not routinely covered by NHS diabetic eye screening programmes.
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The service responds to growing public interest in the potential links between eye health and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including semaglutide and tirzepatide medicines.
While these medicines have transformed treatment options for obesity and type 2 diabetes, emerging research has prompted questions about their impact on certain eye conditions. Although current evidence does not support routine additional eye monitoring for everyone taking GLP-1 medications, patients with existing eye disease, visual symptoms or concerns about their eye health may benefit from specialist assessment.
Unlike people with diabetes, who are invited to NHS diabetic eye screening appointments, patients taking GLP-1 medications solely for weight loss are not routinely eligible for these programmes.
The new Moorfields Private service provides comprehensive retinal imaging, screening for signs of eye disease, and consultation with specialist ophthalmologists to help patients understand their individual eye health risks and when further monitoring may be appropriate.
Miss Sharon Heng, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Private and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“GLP-1 medications have delivered significant health benefits for many patients, particularly those living with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, as their use becomes more widespread, patients are understandably asking questions about potential effects on eye health.“The evidence is still developing and for most people taking these medicines there is no need for concern. However, patients taking GLP-1 medications may value the reassurance of a specialist eye assessment, particularly if they already have an eye condition or have noticed changes in their vision.”
Guidance in February 2026 from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) highlighted a very rare association between semaglutide medicines and Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can cause sudden loss of vision.
Research is also ongoing into potential links between GLP-1 medications and other conditions including diabetic retinopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration.
Specialists emphasise that the overall benefits of GLP-1 medications continue to outweigh the potential risks for most patients. However, anyone experiencing sudden vision loss, rapidly worsening vision, distortion, new blind spots, flashing lights, floaters or double vision should seek urgent medical attention.
The new service includes:
•Comprehensive eye health assessment by a specialist ophthalmologist
•Advanced retinal imaging and screening
•Personalised advice on eye health monitoring while taking GLP-1 medications
•Fast access to further investigation or treatment if required
The financial surplus generated by Moorfields Private is re-invested back into Moorfields Eye Hospital to support NHS services.
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