Artificial Eyes
Artificial eyes, also called ocular prostheses or prosthetic eyes, are custom-made devices designed to replace a missing or surgically removed eye. While an artificial eye does not restore vision, it provides a natural appearance and helps maintain the shape of the eye socket, supporting the surrounding eyelids and facial structure.
Each prosthesis is carefully crafted to match the natural eye’s colour, shape and size to return a natural and balanced appearance. Ensuring a comfortable fit and a realistic and lifelike appearance plays an important role in both physical recovery and emotional healing.
Scleral Shells
Scleral Shells, also called haptic lenses or scleral prostheses, are a type of artificial eye. They are worn over a cosmetically blemished, non-seeing eye. The scleral shell covers the entire visible portion of the eye. They are made in the same way as an artificial eye, however, are generally quite thin and sometimes require more specialised care due to sensitivity of wearing a shell on top of a living eye.
We require a referral from your Ophthalmologist or Optometrist before making a scleral lens and are glad to have a consultation, before commencing, to answer any questions you may have and confirm the suitability of a scleral lens for you.
Children’s Care
Anophthalmia & Microphthalmia
(Expansion therapy)
We make artificial eye prostheses for patients of all ages, including socket rehabilitation for babies who are born with anophthalmia (no eye) and microphthalmia (small eye). Early intervention and ongoing care are essential to promote proper socket and eyelid development and ensure the best possible cosmetic outcome as the child grows.
Expansion therapy requires gentle and gradual increase in the size of the prosthesis - starting as early as possible. At times we are replacing these shapes (expansion conformers) every few weeks, before growth stabilizes, later requiring less frequent visits (every few months).
With careful management, significant socket and eyelid expansion can be achieved in the first few years of life. After the age of 4, overall development slows down and so too does the frequency of replacing the artificial eye.