Milestone for pioneering eye surgeon

Professor Gartry performing the PRK procedure in 1989

An eye surgeon has performed his 30,000th refractive laser eye procedure, 36 years after he carried out the first in the UK.  

Professor David Gartry first carried out photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia using the excimer laser in 1989, at St Thomas’s hospital in London. 

Professor Gartry, now based at Moorfields Eye Hospital, said it was “an honour and a privilege to be able to improve patients’ vision”. He added: “I am thrilled that this mature technology, extensive clinical experience, detailed audit and modern research have enabled us to achieve consistently exceptional clinical outcomes for our patients.” 

The procedure was carried out at Moorfields Private Hospital. The patient, Dina, said although it was early days she was very happy with the results. “For the first time in my adult life, I don’t need to think about whether I have spare contact lenses in my bag. I am looking forward to my summer holidays.”

Professor Gartry’s doctorate on the development of excimer laser corneal surgery, awarded in 1995, was one of the first research projects on the procedure worldwide.