Conjunctivitis Treatment London: Same-Day Eye Drops From An Online GP

A red, sticky, gritty eye usually announces itself first thing in the morning: eyelids glued together, a yellow-green discharge, and an eye that feels like there is sand in it. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye problems in both children and adults, and one of the easiest for an online GP to assess: the appearance is usually diagnostic, and antibiotic drops, when they are needed, can be prescribed the same day. At The Online GP by The Wellness, consultations are with UK-registered doctors, with prescriptions sent straight to your local pharmacy.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. The three common types behave differently. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically causes a red eye with a sticky yellow or green discharge that glues the lashes, often starting in one eye and spreading to the other. Viral conjunctivitis causes a watery red eye, often alongside a cold, and settles on its own over one to two weeks. Allergic conjunctivitis causes itchy, watery, often both eyes, usually with hay fever, and is not contagious.

Symptoms that fit conjunctivitis

A red eye with discharge or watering, gritty irritation, mild swelling of the eyelids and normal vision, in an otherwise well person, usually points to conjunctivitis. Bacterial and viral forms are contagious while symptoms are present: wash hands after touching your eyes, do not share towels or pillows, and keep children off nursery or school only if they are too unwell to attend, following current guidance rather than blanket exclusion.

When a red eye is not conjunctivitis

Some red eyes need urgent in-person assessment. Seek same-day help if you have eye pain rather than irritation, sensitivity to light, blurred or reduced vision, a feeling that something is stuck in the eye after an injury, a red eye with a severe headache and nausea, or if you wear contact lenses and develop a painful red eye, which can indicate a corneal infection that needs specialist care the same day. Remove contact lenses at the first sign of any red eye and do not wear them again until it has fully settled. Your online doctor screens for all of these and directs you to same-day eye care when needed.

How an online GP can help today

With The Online GP by The Wellness, you can speak to a doctor the same day. Your doctor will assess the eye by video or from a clear photo, work out which type of conjunctivitis you have, and prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment when the picture suggests bacterial infection, sent electronically to a pharmacy you choose. You will also get clear guidance on cleaning the eye, contagion, and when to expect improvement. A phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person appointment at our Marylebone clinic is £220. Not sure whether your eye fits? Message us on WhatsApp for a free triage and we will point you to the right next step.

Treatment your doctor may prescribe

Antibiotic drops or ointment. Chloramphenicol drops or ointment is the usual choice for bacterial conjunctivitis, typically clearing the infection within a few days. Mild bacterial conjunctivitis can settle without antibiotics, and your doctor will be honest about when drops genuinely help.

Antihistamine and anti-allergy drops. For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine or mast-cell stabiliser drops work well, alongside oral antihistamines if hay fever is part of the picture.

Simple eye care. For all types: clean the eyelids with cooled boiled water and fresh cotton wool for each wipe, one direction from the nose outward, and wash hands before and after. Viral conjunctivitis settles with this care alone, usually within one to two weeks.

What does online conjunctivitis treatment cost?

With The Online GP by The Wellness, a phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person consultation is £220. Private walk-in clinics in London commonly charge £100 to £250 for the same short appointment before any prescription costs. Your prescription is sent to a normal pharmacy, where you pay the pharmacy's own price for the medicine.

Why choose The Online GP by The Wellness

Every consultation is with a UK-registered, GMC-registered doctor, not an automated questionnaire. Same-day appointments run seven days a week, prescriptions go straight to your chosen pharmacy, and if your eye needs specialist assessment, we say so immediately and tell you exactly where to go. You can also read about what an online GP can prescribe.

To get treated today, call 020 3951 3429, email team@thewellnesslondon.com or book an appointment online.

Frequently asked questions

Can an online GP treat conjunctivitis?

Yes, in most cases. A doctor can assess the eye by video or photo, tell the difference between bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis, and prescribe antibiotic drops when they are needed, sent electronically to a pharmacy you choose.

How do I know if my conjunctivitis is bacterial or viral?

Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes a sticky yellow or green discharge that glues the eyelids, often starting in one eye. Viral conjunctivitis causes a watery red eye, often with a cold. Your doctor can usually tell from the appearance and your description.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious while symptoms are present. Wash hands after touching your eyes, do not share towels, pillows or eye makeup, and throw away any eye makeup used while infected. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Can I wear contact lenses with conjunctivitis?

No. Stop wearing lenses at the first sign of a red eye and do not restart until the eye has been completely clear for at least 24 hours after finishing any treatment. A painful red eye in a contact lens wearer needs same-day specialist assessment.

Does conjunctivitis always need antibiotic drops?

No. Viral conjunctivitis settles on its own, allergic conjunctivitis needs anti-allergy drops, and even mild bacterial conjunctivitis often clears without antibiotics. Drops help when the infection is bacterial and more than mild, which is what your doctor assesses.

How much does an online conjunctivitis consultation cost in London?

At The Online GP by The Wellness, a phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150 and an in-person appointment is £220. The prescription is sent to a local pharmacy, where you pay the pharmacy price for the medicine.

This article is for information and does not replace personal medical advice. Written by The Wellness Team and medically reviewed by The Wellness Clinical Team. Last updated October 2026.