What is your expertise in AMD treatment?
What is my expertise in AMD treatment? I first studied medicine at Cambridge University and then decided to specialise in ophthalmology. I trained in general ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital, following this I started seeing patients with AMD in my clinics, and I became interested in age-related macular degeneration. I realised what a huge problem AMD is to people on an individual level and to society as a whole, particularly given the fact that our population is growing older and we are all living longer. Although this is a good news story, it does mean that we are all more likely to develop diseases of old age including AMD. The challenge we all face is to grow older but to remain healthy and independent.
What research does an ophthalmologist with expertise in AMD undertake?
My interest in AMD was sparked by the remarkable research into diseases of the retina over the last two decades. This research had led to the introduction of effective treatments for wet AMD into clinical practice – something which was considered unachievable when I first started working as a doctor. This rapid development of new treatments and improvements in our understanding of diseases of the retina including AMD is a source of excitement and encouragement for both patients and eye doctors like me. My interest in retinal disease and AMD led me to undertake a research degree in AMD at the dawn of the era of effective treatments for wet AMD. The fact that I have been involved in research into injection treatment for wet AMD treatment since it was first discovered and developed means that I have considerable experience of AMD treatment.
Why see a consultant that specialises in AMD?
I now devote my time as a consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital to the treatment of retinal and macular disease, and I have managed to build up considerable experience and expertise over the last ten or 15 years. Not every consultant that you see specialises in AMD treatment, and although I do see patients with general eye conditions (including cataract and dry eye), I specialise in the assessment and treatment of retinal and macular diseases including AMD. That means I have not only built up expertise and experience when it comes to the treatment of AMD but I’m also actively involved in the research and developing new, next generation, cutting-edge treatments. It also means I can help you to decide which type of treatment is appropriate for you.
