Intro

Eyes are very special to all of us and choosing an eye surgeon is an important decision. You need a surgeon who is approachable and will listen to your concerns. Someone who is both experienced and has a proven track record. Someone who is open and will explain clearly all the options available to you.
I am a consultant Eye surgeon based in southern Hampshire who practices general ophthalmology with a special interest in cataract, lid surgery and watering eyes. I have been a consultant since 1998 and pay particular attention to delivering a patient centred, high quality service.

I am a:

• Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
• Founding member of the British Oculoplastic Surgical Society (BOPSS)
• Member of the Consultant Eye Surgeons Partnership (CESP)

Cataract surgery

Cataracts are very common and affect the lens of eye. They cause decreased vision and are usually diagnosed by your optometrist.

Today cataracts can be safely operated on at an earlier stage than previously. This has been due to new developments in technology allowing the surgery to be carried out with a very small incision and without the need for stitches. These developments mean that patients often want their cataracts to be operated on early in order to maintain their driving licence and independence.

Following cataract removal an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to restore clear vision. I use an advanced intraocular lens, the Acysof IQ lens www.allaboutvision.com/acrysof which has a proven track record with over 40 million implanted worldwide.

Many patients find they still need to wear glasses for some activities, particularly reading, however, advances in lens technology now allow patients to be less dependent on glasses after surgery.

All of my cataract surgery is audited continuously.

Eyelid surgery

Known as "Oculoplastic surgery" it is aimed at correcting lid abnormalities or removal of growths including skin cancers from the eyelid area or the eye itself. Common conditions include;

Ptosis:

a droopy upper lid caused by a stretched tendon (see photo).

www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/p/ptosis

Excess upper lid skin:

cosmetic upper lid blepharoplasty is rejuvenating.

Entropion:

lower lid turns in and causes the lashes to rub on the eye.

www.patient.co.uk/health/Entropion.htm

Ectropion:

lower lid turns out from the eyeball and is an unsightly red colour.

www.patient.co.uk/health/Ectropion.htm

Tumours:

both benign and malignant tumours can be effectively removed.

Artificial eyes:

these can be made to look very realistic.

Most procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic as a day case.

Watering eyes (lacrimal surgery)

This is a very annoying and embarrassing complaint that in most cases can be relieved by medical treatment or surgery. Patients often complain of needing to wipe their eyes with a tissue or of being continually asked if they are all right as people mistake the tears for crying.

One common cause is a blocked tear drainage system and this can be fixed with an operation called a “DCR” www.patient.co.uk/health/watering-Eyes.htm.

It has a very high success rates and patients are delighted when the watering stops. The surgery can be done under local anaesthetic without any need to stay in hospital.

General ophthalmology

I offer a general ophthalmology service and I am happy to see patients with any eye condition. Some other common conditions that affect the eyes are listed here:

• Glaucoma
• Diabetic eye disease
• Macular degeneration
• Corneal disease
• Retinal disease
• Floaters
• Pupil abnormalities
• Red and irritable eyes