Mr Alistair Laidlaw

Professional statement

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.