My undergraduate medical training was at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and was completed in 1985. Since then I have trained almost exclusively in ophthalmology and related subjects.

Training posts were held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Bristol and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. 2½ years in Bristol was spent doing an MD which is the medical equivalent of a PhD.

Specialist training in retinal disease and surgery was carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital and I have been a full time retinal specialist for 7 years.

I was appointed to a consultant post in 1998 since when I have either performed or supervised around 2,000 retinal procedures.