Ophthalmologists and eye clinics in Dakar: a guide
When to see an ophthalmologist rather than an optician in Dakar, what to do in an eye emergency, children's eye checks, booking tips, indicative budgets and the best areas to find care.
Ophthalmologists and eye clinics in Dakar: a practical guide
Blurry vision, a stubborn red eye, a child squinting: in Dakar, ophthalmologists cluster around the Plateau, Point E, Mermoz and Sacré-Cœur, plus the public hospitals. Here is when to go, how to book and what to budget. For the full list, browse the health practices and clinics listed in Dakar.
Ophthalmologist or optician: who comes first?
An optician fits glasses and lenses but is not a doctor. An ophthalmologist examines the whole eye, measures eye pressure and writes the prescription.
Book an ophthalmologist rather than an optician when:
- it is a first pair of glasses, especially for a child;
- your sight has changed suddenly, or you notice halos, flashes or floating spots;
- you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or you are over 40 without a recent check;
- glaucoma runs in your family;
- one eye has been red or painful for days.
For a renewal with a recent prescription, an optician is often enough. If unsure, consult a healthcare professional.
Eye emergencies: what to do
Sudden vision loss, severe pain, a blow to the eye, a chemical splash or a dark curtain across your sight: go straight to a hospital eye emergency department or specialist facility.
- after a splash, rinse with plenty of clean water;
- do not rub the eye or remove an embedded object;
- if the person cannot travel, call SAMU on 1515 or the fire brigade on 18.
Harmattan dust, December to March, brings plenty of irritation, and conjunctivitis spreads in schools during the rainy season.
Children's eyesight
Children rarely complain; they adapt. Watch for sitting close to the TV, head tilting, headaches or a drifting eye. Many families book a check before primary school and before each new term. September is packed, so book in July.
Booking and budgeting
Private practices book by phone or WhatsApp, with waits from days to weeks. Public hospitals often mean arriving early for a ticket. Rough ranges:
- public hospital consultation: around 3,000 to 10,000 FCFA;
- private practice consultation: around 15,000 to 35,000 FCFA;
- additional tests (visual field, OCT): around 20,000 to 70,000 FCFA;
- private cataract surgery: often several hundred thousand FCFA per eye.
Ask for a quote and check your insurer or IPM cover. Diaspora visitors on short trips should book ahead. Do not drive after dilating drops.
Where to go by neighbourhood
Plateau, Point E, Fann, Mermoz and Sacré-Cœur host most practices. From the Almadies, Ngor or Yoff, allow twenty to forty minutes, more at rush hour on the VDN. From Pikine, Guédiawaye or Keur Massar, the motorway and BRT help. Rufisque and Diamniadio have fewer specialists.
Recommended addresses on SeneFinder
- Cabinet médical Ophtamed - Dr Fatou Ouleye Niang - Ophtalmo Dakar : Dakar, ophthalmology practice
- Urgence ophtalmologie : Cité Mourtada, eye emergency service
- Dr Ramy Yassine / Cabinet d’Ophtalmologie : Dakar, ophthalmology practice
- Dr. Erick ROTH - Ophtalmologue / Partenaire AfriDoctor : Dakar, ophthalmologist
- Dr Mar NDIAYE - Chirurgien ophtalmologue Dakar / Partenaire AfriDoctor : Dakar, ophthalmic surgeon
- Dakar Ophtalmo Clinique - Dr. Awa Thiaw Ndiaye : Dakar, eye clinic
- Dr Awa Diagne SY - Ophtalmologue - Partenaire AfriDoctor : Dakar, ophthalmologist
- La Clinique Des Yeux - Dakar : Dakar, eye clinic
- OPHTALMO 24 : Dakar, ophthalmology centre
You can also see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.
Useful tools
- Route planner
- Practical guide and SOS numbers
- The best opticians in Dakar
- Finding a medical specialist in Dakar
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist in Dakar?
No, private practices accept direct bookings, though some IPMs require a cover form.
What should I do in an eye emergency at night?
Go to a hospital eye emergency department. If the person cannot travel, call SAMU on 1515 or the fire brigade on 18.
At what age should a child's eyes be checked?
Usually before primary school, earlier if you notice a squint. Consult a healthcare professional.