Ophthalmologist in Chania, Crete

Dr Stergios Gkontolias MD is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon with a private eye clinic in the centre of Chania (Konstantinou Mitsotaki 38, Dikastiria area). He sees adults and children, residents and visitors to Crete, and speaks fluent English.

Services

  • Comprehensive eye examination: visual acuity, refraction (glasses prescription), slit-lamp examination, eye pressure measurement, dilated fundus examination.
  • Cataract: diagnosis, pre-operative assessment, phacoemulsification surgery with intraocular lens implantation, and post-operative follow-up.
  • Glaucoma: tonometry, corneal pachymetry, automated visual field testing, long-term monitoring and treatment.
  • Retina: diabetic retinopathy screening and follow-up, age-related macular degeneration, floaters and flashes, retinal vein occlusion.
  • Children's eye examinations: amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (squint), cycloplegic refraction.
  • Driving-licence eye tests and medical certificates.
  • Prescriptions for glasses, contact lenses and eye medication.

Detailed pages about each service are available in Greek: cataract, glaucoma, retina, children, driving licence, eye examination.

For visitors to Crete

If you are on holiday in Chania and develop an eye problem, call the clinic to arrange an appointment. Common problems seen in visitors include:

  • Red, itchy or sticky eyes (conjunctivitis, allergy), dry eyes from sun, wind and sea water.
  • A foreign body in the eye (sand, grit), scratches of the cornea, chemical splashes (rinse at once with plenty of clean water for 15 minutes).
  • Contact-lens problems: pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision in a lens wearer needs same-day assessment.
  • Sudden floaters, flashes of light or a "curtain" in your vision: possible retinal tear, needs same-day examination.
  • Lost or broken glasses: an eye test and a new prescription.

Sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain with nausea, or a penetrating injury are emergencies. Outside clinic hours go directly to the Emergency Department of Chania General Hospital or call 112.

Please bring your passport or ID, your glasses or contact lenses, a list of your medication, and your European Health Insurance Card or travel insurance details if you intend to claim the cost of the visit from your insurer. The clinic issues a receipt and a written report in English on request.

About the doctor

Dr Gkontolias graduated from the Medical School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1997) and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete (specialist title 2009). From 2009 to 2018 he worked as a consultant ophthalmologist in the Greek National Health System, at the General Hospitals of Rethymno and Chania, performing cataract surgery, retinal laser and intravitreal injections and running the outpatient and emergency eye clinics. He opened his private practice in Chania in 2019. He is a member of the Chania Medical Association and holds the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral?

No. Call the clinic directly to book an appointment.

Can I drive after the examination?

If your pupils are dilated with drops for a retinal examination, your near vision will be blurred and your eyes light-sensitive for a few hours. Do not drive; bring sunglasses.

How do I pay?

The visit is paid at the clinic and you receive an official receipt, which you can submit to your travel or health insurer. Please ask about fees when booking.

Contact and appointments

This page is for general information and does not replace an eye examination. Content author: Dr Stergios Gkontolias, ophthalmologist. Last updated: 24 October 2026.

Book an appointment

Call the clinic to arrange your visit. Konstantinou Mitsotaki 38, Chania, Crete.

+30 28210 50396 +30 697 470 1928