
Professional statement
Mr Derek Ho is a highly skilled consultant ophthalmologist based in Cardiff, specialising in cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange,pterygium and chalazion surgeries. Practising at Spire Cardiff Hospital, he offers expert care in routine and complex cataract procedures, as well as corneal and conjunctival surgeries. As a high-volume cataract surgeon, he performs and supervises approximately 100 cataract procedures each month, providing his patients with exceptional surgical expertise.
Mr Ho trained at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, before completing advanced fellowships in cornea and anterior segment surgery at Bristol Eye Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital. He holds Fellowships from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) and the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) and is certified in Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS). He is also the Consultant Lead for Cataract Services at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, overseeing surgical advancements and patient care.
Beyond his clinical work, Mr Ho is committed to ophthalmic research and education. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications, frequently presents at international conferences, and mentors future eye surgeons as a Surgical Skills Faculty Trainer at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. He is also an active member of professional organisations, including the United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (UKISCRS), and the European Society of Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Specialists (EuCornea).
Clinics

Spire Cardiff Hospital
Cardiff, Glamorgan House, Croescadarn Rd, Pontprennau, CF23 8XLMedical insurances accepted
Credentials
Professional experience
- 12 years of experience
- Consultant ophthalmologist, Spire Cardiff Hospital
Subspecialties
- Cataract surgery
- Refractive lens exchange
Professional memberships
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth)
- United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (UKISCRS)
Education
- Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS), Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2023)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Imperial College London (2013)
Teaching posts
- Surgical Skills Faculty Trainer at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Positions in organisations
- Consultant Lead in Cataract Service, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
- Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Prizes and awards
- European Society of Ophthalmology (SOE) Congress 2023: Best of Poster award
- European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) 2018 meeting: Trainee Bursary
Languages spoken
- English
- Chinese
Reviews
- Would you recommend this doctor?
- Treatment of the doctor
- Treatment of the staff
- Waiting time
- Condition of facilities
- Very Impressed with Mr Ho and the whole team, who explained the procedure clearly which made it less stressful and a good outcome so far!
- I am extremely happy that I chose Dr Derek Ho to perform my cataract surgery. He is very calm, polite and caring. His surgical skills are second to none. I felt reassured that I was in very experienced and capable hands. I could not believe that the treatment was completely pain free and smooth and easy. I could see very clearly after the operation straight away. I am so grateful to Dr Ho for what he has done for me. He is a great surgeon. Thank you so much!Doctor's response -Thank you for your lovely comments. I’m really pleased you felt comfortable and reassured throughout, and it’s wonderful to hear how pleased you are with your vision.
- Highly recommend Mr Ho, fantastic service from the start and a true expert in what he does. He performed what seemed like a miracle with very dense cataracts and my father’s not so great health. Couldn't be happier with the outcome. The hospital staff are also very supportive, friendly and really went out of their way to make it as comfortable as possible on every visit.Doctor's response -Thank you for your generous review. I’m really pleased to hear how well your father has done, and the excellent outcome reflects both careful planning and the dedication of the whole team.
- I had cataract surgery on both eyes two days ago, and I am already writing this review on my computer - the results truly speak for themselves. It was such a relief to be cared for by an experienced and highly skilled surgeon who was able to handle my technically challenging case with confidence and precision. The pre- and post-operative assessments were conducted professionally and with a warm manner. Mr Ho answered all my questions and concerns thoroughly and put me at ease.Doctor's response -Thank you for your generous comments. I’m glad the bilateral surgeries have made such an immediate difference, and that you felt comfortable and well informed throughout your treatment.
- I highly recommend Mr Ho to anyone considering cataract surgery. The procedure was quick and comfortable and I felt confident throughout thanks to Mr Ho's calm and expert approach. My recovery has been smooth and remarkably fast. I am genuinely amazed by the improvement. Thank yDoctor's response -Thank you for your lovely comments. I’m glad the procedure and recovery went well for you!
- I found Mr Ho very thorough and personable and am very pleased with the results of my surgery. I would certainly recommend him to family and friends should they need eye surgery in future.Doctor's response -Thank you very much for your feedback. I’m glad you’re happy with your surgery results, and I’m grateful for your recommendation.
- I would award Dr Derek Ho and his team at Spa Medical Gloucester, 5 Star Everything from his proffesionalism, the Staff are helpful and friendly, the comfort and Cleanlyness of the premises.I would happy to recomend them for Eye surgery. David WoodDoctor's response -Thank you so much Mr Wood. I'm glad to hear it. It was truly a team effort.
- Excellent service and facilities, can't fault the care I've receivedDoctor's response -Thank you for your very kind feedback!