
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
Central London, 119 Harley Street, W1G 6AUMedical insurances accepted
Credentials
Professional experience
- 41 years of experience
- Consultant Ophthalmologist, The London Clinic (present)
Subspecialties
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Macular hole
Education
- MD, University of Bristol (1995)
- FRCOphth, (1991)
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)
Publications and conferences
- View Mr Laidlaw's publications: ResearchGate
Languages spoken
- English
- French
Reviews
- Would you recommend this doctor?
- Treatment of the doctor
- Treatment of the staff
- Waiting time
- Condition of facilities
- Very professional
- 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.
- Professional, knowledgeable and very friendly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Recommended
- Very professional service from start to finish
- I am really happy with my visit there and I would suggest to a friend to visit the clinic
- I am really happy with my visit there and I would suggest to a friend to visit the clinic
- Excellent overall service.