Mr Alistair Laidlaw
Ophthalmology
GMC: 3068065
Mr Alistair Laidlaw is a consultant ophthalmologist who also specialises in vitreoretinal surgery. As a leading expert within his field, he performs surgery for retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane and cataracts. He has a specialist interest in the medical and surgical treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Mr Laidlaw is now one of the UKs foremost experts in his field. His initial medical training was in Newcastle Upon Tyne, with a subsequent six years (including a medical higher degree) in Bristol, before a final three years of training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
Since 1998, he has been a consultant at St Thomas' Hospital London and the Maidstone Hospital, Kent. His private practice is at the prestigious London Clinic Eye Centre in Harley Street.
Alistair is active in research with over 70 published research papers to his name, mainly on retinal surgery. His involvement in the development of vision measurement software and electronic medical records has greatly contributed to his field. He is actively involved in the training of future Vitreoretinal Surgeons both as part of a formal fellowship training programme at St Thomas' Hospital and through teaching events such the annual VR In A Day course.
Mr Laidlaw has been both Honorary Secretary and President of the British & Eire Association of Vitreo Retinal Surgeons. He has been an elected member of the board of Euretina for 6 years and will be President of Euretina for two years from September 2021.
Alistair is a keen sportsman, with a love of sailing, cycling, skiing and ski touring, and aims to compete in one triathlon per year.
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In his previous article on diabetic retinopathy explained what the condition is, the main symptoms, and its causes. Now, the London-based consultant ophthalmologist Mr Alistair Laidlaw discusses how it is diagnosed, highlighting the national screening programme run by the NHS, and treated, weighing up the pros and cons of the two types of treatment.
A serious condition that can develop if one has diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when the retina is damaged by burst blood vessels. Leading consultant ophthalmologist Mr Alistair Laidlaw, who practises in London, explains the condition in more depth and discusses how it can be detected and managed.
Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Alistair Laidlaw assures you of the measures being taken to minimise any risk of catching COVID-19 in eye clinics. He also stresses the importance of getting your eyes checked and explains how common surgeries like cataracts will start up again from June 2020.
If you're over the age of 50, you may be at a higher risk of developing epirentinal membranes. We spoke to Mr Alistair Laidlaw, a leading consultant ophthalmologist to find out about treatment options as well as some of the risks, benefitsand potential complications of surgery.
When a gap forms all the way through the retina, it's referred to as a full-thickness macular hole. This can cause vision to become darker and blurry but fortunately, there is surgical treatment available to close a macular hole and therefore prevent further deterioration of vision. Mr Alistair Laidlaw provides a comprehensive guide that clarifies symptoms, treatment, the success rate of treatment and more.
Read about cataract surgery and if a cataract operation is safe, or whether the procedure for clear vision comes with a risk, as Mr Alistair Laidlaw explains all.
M.M.
05/03/2025
Professional, knowledgeable and very friendly.
M.D.
03/12/2024
Heater in the main GF waiting room is very noisy, and seating not particularly comfortable, especially for a partner/friend/carer waiting there for 90mins.
C.E.
06/10/2024
Friendly and professional from start to finish with ample time to discuss concerns and went above and beyond to seek further advice regarding best course of action. Thank you Mr Laidlaw for your care and attention. Would definitely recommend.
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