Last month, our very own Professor David Gartry performed his 30,000th refractive laser eye surgery procedure at Moorfields Private.
His patient who had a very high degree of myopia before their LASEK procedure was very happy with the results. She said: “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.”
A pioneer from the outset
Professor Gartry’s name has been synonymous with refractive surgery since November 1989, when, as a research fellow at St Thomas’ Hospital, he became the first surgeon in the UK to perform photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for short‑sightedness using the excimer laser. The research team comprised Professor John Marshall PhD, DSc, MBE, Mr Malcolm Kerr Muir MRCP, FRCS, FRCOphth, and Sister Annie Welch – the senior nurse in charge. Surface‑based techniques such as PRK paved the way for modern LASIK and LASEK, both now routine options worldwide.
A photograph from that first operation in 1989 captures David Gartry at the excimer laser – a reminder of just how far the field has advanced in a single generation.
Professor Gartry’s 1995 doctorate (awarded by London University) on excimer‑laser corneal surgery was among the earliest research projects of its kind. In the decades since, he has remained at the forefront of laser, cataract and corneal care, publishing widely and teaching new generations of surgeons. His contribution has been recognised with numerous honours, including:
- Honour Award – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Doctor of Science – Glasgow Caledonian University, “in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the science of Ophthalmology”
- Lifetime Fellowship – College of Optometrists
- Entry in Who’s Who (2007)
“An honour and a privilege”
Reflecting on his latest milestone, Professor Gartry said:
“It’s an honour and a privilege to improve patients’ vision and eye health at Moorfields, where I began as a pre‑registration optometrist in 1978 and later became a consultant ophthalmic surgeon in 1995. Mature technology, extensive clinical experience, meticulous audit and ongoing research mean we can now deliver consistently exceptional outcomes.”
Looking ahead
With 30,000 successful refractive laser eye procedures behind him, Professor Gartry continues to push the boundaries of refractive surgery while mentoring colleagues at Moorfields. For patients like Dina and thousands before her – his expertise has proved genuinely life‑changing.
You can read about this fantastic milestone in the the Ophthalmology Times and on the Moorfields Private website.