Professor Susan Downes
MBBS, MD, FRCOphth
- 212 publications
- 150+ conferences
- 8352 citations
Professional Title
Consultant Ophthalmologist & Expert in Retinal Genetics
Years of Experience
Over 30 years of clinical practice in retinal diseases
Credentials & Memberships
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
- Member, European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA)
- Chief Investigator in national genetic trials
Bio Summary
Professor Susan Downes is a leading consultant ophthalmologist with over three decades of experience in inherited retinal diseases. At The Retina Clinic London, she leads our specialist service in retinal genetics, bringing unparalleled expertise to the diagnosis and management of rare conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt Disease, and Cone-Rod Dystrophies. As a recognised authority in retinal genetics, Professor Downes combines state-of-the-art imaging and genetic testing with a personalised approach to care. She is also deeply involved in academic research and clinical trials, helping patients access innovative therapies not yet available elsewhere.
Career Highlights
- Setting up the first private genetic testing service for retina in the UK
- Awarded a gold medal by the Oxford University Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust for outstanding achievement (2014)
- Top List of Women in European Vision Research and Ophthalmology (http://www.vision-research.eu/index.php?id=1298, 2021)
- Ophthalmology Clinical Research Network lead for Thames Valley and South Midlands representing them nationally.
- Clinical Lead for the Eye Research Group Oxford (ERGO)
Areas of Expertise
- Stargardt's
- Cone-Rod Dystrophy
- Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
- X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP)
- Macular Dystrophy
- Cone Dystrophy
- Rod Dystrophy
- Best Disease
- Batten's Disease
- Refsum
- Bassen Kornsweig
- Usher Syndrome
- Bardet Biedl Syndrome
- Retinal Genetic Testing