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Mr Alistair LaidlawOphthalmology in Central London
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Mr Alistair Laidlaw

Ophthalmology in Central London

MD FRCS FRCOphth
GMC: 3068065

4.920reviewsReview

Expert in:
Retinal detachment surgery
Macular hole
Epiretinal membrane
Macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Information
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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.

Clinics

  • The London Clinic Eye Centre profile image

    The London Clinic Eye Centre

    Central London, 119 Harley Street, W1G 6AU

    Medical insurances accepted

    Bupa
    AXA
    AVIVA
    Cigna
    WPA
    Simply Health
    I'm paying for myself
    Allianz

Credentials

Professional experience

  • 41 years of experience
  • Consultant Ophthalmologist, The London Clinic (present)
  • Consultant Ophthalmologist, St Thomas' Hospital, London (present)
  • Consultant Ophthalmologist, Mid-Kent Healthcare Trust (present)
View more

Subspecialties

  • Retinal detachment surgery
  • Macular hole
  • Epiretinal membrane
  • Macular degeneration
  • Surgery for diabetic retinopathy
  • Cataract surgery
  • Vitreoretinal surgery
  • Diabetic retinopathy
View more

Education

  • MD, University of Bristol (1995)
  • FRCOphth, (1991)
  • M.B.,B.S. Newcastle University (1985)
View more

Teaching posts

  • Honorary Senior Lecturer, King's College London
  • Lecturer in Ophthalmology University of Bristol 1993-95

Positions in organisations

  • President Elect of EURETINA (European Society of Retinal Specialists)
  • President of the British & Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (2014 - 2016)
  • Honorary Secretary of the British & Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (2010 - 2014)
View more

Publications and conferences

  • View Mr Laidlaw's publications: ResearchGate

Languages spoken

  • English
  • French
Registration number: 3068065

Reviews

All reviews are from real patients and have been verified by our Customer Service department to ensure they meet our guidelines. Rules of the service

20 reviews

4.9

Review this doctor
  • Would you recommend this doctor?
  • Treatment of the doctor
  • Treatment of the staff
  • Waiting time
  • Condition of facilities
  • Very professional
    22 October 2025

    M.A.

    Verified patient
  • The reception staff were not hugely welcoming but, apart from that, everything surpassed my expectations. The first doctor & technician were very pleasant & efficient; Mr Laidlaw identified the problem, dealt with it very efficiently & gave me every confidence in his treatment.
    23 September 2025

    B.M.

    Verified patient
  • Professional, knowledgeable and very friendly.
    5 March 2025

    M.M.

    Verified patient
  • 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.
    3 December 2024

    M.D.

    Verified patient
  • 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.
    6 October 2024

    C.E.

    Verified patient
  • Recommended
    7 December 2022

    A.D.

    Verified patient
  • Very professional service from start to finish
    8 February 2022

    N.E.

    Verified patient
  • I am really happy with my visit there and I would suggest to a friend to visit the clinic
    12 December 2021

    O.C.

    Verified patient
  • I am really happy with my visit there and I would suggest to a friend to visit the clinic
    12 December 2021

    O.C.

    Verified patient
  • Excellent overall service.
    16 November 2021

    O.G.

    Verified patient
View all reviews

Treatments

The doctor is expert in

Epiretinal membrane

Macular degeneration (AMD)

Macular hole

Retinal detachment surgery

The doctor also specialises in:

Astigmatism

Cataracts

Coloboma

Diabetic retinopathy

Diplopia (double vision)

Eye examination

Eye floaters

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Intravitreal injection

Low vision

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mr Alistair Laidlaw's specialty?

Mr Alistair Laidlaw is a consultant specialising in Ophthalmology, with extensive experience in assessing and treating patients within this field.

Which conditions and treatments does Mr Alistair Laidlaw specialise in?

Mr Alistair Laidlaw is a ophthalmologist who provides assessment and treatment for Macular degeneration (AMD), Epiretinal membrane, Eye floaters, Macular hole and Retinal detachment surgery. During your consultation, you will be informed of the most suitable options following a personalised evaluation.

How many years of experience does Mr Alistair Laidlaw have?

Mr Alistair Laidlaw has 41 years of professional experience as a consultant ophthalmologist, providing specialist assessment and treatment in this medical field.

What do patients say about Mr Alistair Laidlaw?

Patients give a rating of 4.9 out of 5 to Mr Alistair Laidlaw, a score considered excellent. This average is based on 20 verified patient reviews, reflecting the experience of those who have attended an appointment.

Are Mr Alistair Laidlaw's reviews verified?

Yes. All Mr Alistair Laidlaw's reviews come from verified patients who have attended either an in-person or an e-Consultation appointment. We use a system that ensures authenticity and prevents fake reviews. Some profiles may also display reviews from other platforms, which follow their own verification policies, with the source always clearly indicated.

Where does Mr Alistair Laidlaw practise?

Mr Alistair Laidlaw practises in Central London at 119 Harley Street, offering in-person care and access to services as a ophthalmologist.

How can I book an appointment with Mr Alistair Laidlaw?

You can book an appointment with Mr Alistair Laidlaw directly from this page by selecting the time that suits you best. Alternatively, you can call the phone number shown if you prefer personalised assistance.

Does Mr Alistair Laidlaw see NHS patients?

Many specialists featured on Top Doctors also hold NHS positions. However, appointments arranged for Mr Alistair Laidlaw through this platform are private, either self-pay or covered by private medical insurance.

Does Mr Alistair Laidlaw offer private appointments?

Yes, Mr Alistair Laidlaw offers private appointments for patients seeking flexible and direct access to a consultant ophthalmologist.

Does Mr Alistair Laidlaw offer online consultations?

Yes, Mr Alistair Laidlaw offers online consultations. You can book an appointment directly from this page by selecting the date and time that suit you best. Personalised assistance is also available by calling the number displayed on this page.

Does Mr Alistair Laidlaw accept insurance?

Mr Alistair Laidlaw works with the following private medical insurance providers: Bupa, AXA, AVIVA, Cigna, WPA, Simply Health, Allianz, CS Healthcare, Vitality, The Exeter Friendly, Pru Health, Groupama, April, Freedom, National Assurance, General Medical, Saga, Healix, Legal & General Insurance, Health-online, Benenden Health , Alliance Health Group, Aetna, Tricare, Asia Medical Assistance, AIG, Health Now, Humanis, International SOS and Standard Life. If your insurer is not listed, you may contact the practice directly to confirm your coverage.

What is Mr Alistair Laidlaw's availability?

Mr Alistair Laidlaw's availability depends on the appointment slots open at any given time. On this page, you can check current availability, and if no slots are shown, you can request an appointment or contact the practice directly.

What payment methods does Mr Alistair Laidlaw offer?

You can pay for your consultation with Mr Alistair Laidlaw using the following methods: Self-paying.

What languages does Mr Alistair Laidlaw speak?

Mr Alistair Laidlaw is a ophthalmologist who offers consultations in English and French.

How is Mr Alistair Laidlaw selected to appear on this platform?

All doctors listed on Top Doctors, including Mr Alistair Laidlaw, undergo our rigorous selection process. Only one in five specialists meets the required standards to be included.
Discover Top Doctors' rigorous medical selection process.
The doctor, or where applicable the hospital or medical centre in which the doctor provides services, undertakes to keep the information relating to the prices of services published on their profile on the Top Doctors platform up to date at all times, ensuring that such prices correspond to those effectively charged to patients. In the event of any discrepancy between the published price and the price ultimately charged to the patient, the doctor and/or the relevant hospital or medical centre shall be solely liable towards the patient and towards Top Doctors for any claim or financial difference arising therefrom.

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The London Clinic Eye CentreCentral London, 119 Harley Street, W1G 6AU
Payment methodSelf-paying
Face-to-faceFirst visit Ophthalmology
£345
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