Professor John Marshall

Professor John Marshall joined The Retina Clinic London at the invitation of Prof. Stanga, with whom he has a longstanding professional relationship dating back to their early work together at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Professor Marshall’s unmatched expertise in ophthalmic research and innovation, warranted an invitation for him to lead our institute’s research efforts. In his role as Associate Director of Research, Professor Marshall provides critical guidance on the clinic’s cutting-edge R&D projects, ensuring that new technologies and treatments progress from concept to clinical reality.

A globally recognised authority in the field, Professor Marshall is best known for his pioneering work in medical laser technology. He invented the Excimer laser for the correction of refractive errors, a breakthrough that has enabled over 75 million procedures worldwide, fundamentally changing the landscape of refractive surgery. He also developed the world’s first diode laser for treating diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related eye diseases, and more recently pioneered the 2RT laser, a promising non-invasive approach to managing dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Professor Marshall’s career spans nearly six decades, during which he has published over 500 scientific papers, authored 44 book chapters, and written 7 influential books. His research has focused on the effects of light on the ageing retina, laser-tissue interactions, and the development of next-generation ophthalmic therapies, making him one of the most cited figures in his field. His work has not only transformed clinical practice but also influenced the safety standards for laser use globally, reflecting his broader impact on public health and medical technology.

His academic career includes prestigious Emeritus Professorships at both King’s College London and University College London, where he held the Frost Chair of Ophthalmology. He has also held honorary positions at Cardiff University, Glasgow Caledonian University, and City University, London. Over his career, he has supervised more than 60 doctoral students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in the field of ophthalmology.

Professor Marshall’s influence extends beyond research and teaching. He has delivered over 60 eponymous lectures, including the Bowman Lecture of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the Zivojnovic Award Lecture of the European Vitreo Retinal Society. His contributions have been recognised with over 27 prestigious awards and medals, including the Nettleship Medal, the Doyne Medal, the Mackenzie Medal, the Kelman Innovator Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

In industry, he has been a key innovator, holding over 55 patents, and co-founding the first company to receive FDA approval for laser refractive surgery. He has also chaired medical advisory boards for leading global companies and served as a director of Diomed, a major supplier of diode laser systems for general surgery. Currently, he holds leadership roles at AlphaRet, a company developing the 2RT laser for AMD, and PNDS, a pioneering venture using nanotechnology for cancer diagnostics.

Beyond his technical achievements, Professor Marshall has been instrumental in international efforts to regulate the use of medical lasers and artificial light. Notably, he chaired the scientific review board that led to the Geneva Convention’s ban on anti-personnel laser weapons, reflecting his deep commitment to patient safety and humanitarian principles.

Professor Marshall is also a passionate advocate for public health, serving as a trustee of the Frost Foundation, a Vice President of the National Eye Research Centre, and an ambassador for Fight for Sight. His broader contributions to science have been recognised with numerous fellowships, including the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the Royal Society of Biology, and the Academy of Medical Sciences.