By Professor Paulo Eduardo Stanga, Founder & Chief Medical Officer, The Retina Clinic London
The Retina Clinic London had the great honour of being invited to Parliament by the Hon. Steve Darling MP to speak at an event focused on sight loss, a subject that is both professionally and personally close to his heart, as Steve is himself registered blind.
To be welcomed into such a setting, surrounded by policymakers, healthcare professionals, industry colleagues and charities, all committed to improving outcomes for people living with sight loss, was deeply humbling. It was also a powerful reminder of how much more we can achieve when clinical care, research, advocacy and lived experience come together.
The event brought together representatives from industry alongside healthcare professionals working across the sight loss pathway. We attended on behalf of The Retina Clinic London to share our work in clinical research and trials, and to explore opportunities for collaboration with national and regional NHS eye units.
I was particularly encouraged by discussions with colleagues from Devon, including representatives from the local NHS eye unit, the Integrated Care Board commissioner, and clinical leads. Our shared ambition was clear: to explore how Devon residents could access clinical trial opportunities, ensuring that geography does not limit access to innovative treatments or research-led care.
We also had the privilege of meeting with several charities to discuss funding opportunities for future research, recognising the critical role that the voluntary sector plays in advancing innovation, advocacy and patient support.
Among those present were Grahame Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, and Tessa Barrett, Director of Patient Services, from Devon in Sight, a remarkable charity with over 100 years of history. Devon in Sight serves as a vital point of reference for residents who are blind or losing sight, providing emotional support, guidance on assistive technologies, and help navigating healthcare options.
Their work is invaluable. Devon in Sight has also been a steadfast supporter of our research, and I am deeply grateful for their continued collaboration.
Steve Darling MP himself has been an extraordinary advocate. Many will already know his guide dog, now something of a parliamentary celebrity, and, as I understand it, the second guide dog to enter the chamber. Steve’s openness, leadership and commitment to supporting sight loss research have made a real difference, and his support for our work has been unwavering.
At The Retina Clinic London, our mission is simple but ambitious: to give patients greater choice in their care, and confidence that free-of-charge alternatives to clinical trials in the NHS and Teaching Hospitals exist. As an independent and self-contained bespoke eye care facility and clinical trials centre in the Harley Street Health District, we focus on bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, offering patients access to advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment pathways, and participation in clinical trials where appropriate.
By integrating research directly into patient care, we are able to offer eligible patients access to cutting-edge therapies, often through no cost industry-sponsored clinical trials, while contributing to the advancement of Ophthalmology for future generations. Innovation, continuity of care and compassion sit at the heart of everything we do.
Beyond the discussions themselves, it was a genuine privilege to be in Parliament and later to observe proceedings from the House of Lords viewing gallery. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when clinical expertise, patient voice and policy are aligned.
I left Westminster feeling inspired and more committed than ever to collaborative working, because progress in eye care does not happen in isolation.
My sincere thanks to Steve Darling MP, Devon in Sight, and all those who took part in such an important and forward-thinking conversation. I look forward to building on these discussions and continuing our shared work to improve choice, access and outcomes for people living with sight loss.
Professor Paulo Eduardo Stanga
Founder & Chief Medical Officer, The Retina Clinic London
Professor of Ophthalmology, UCL
Consultant Vitreoretinal & Cataract Surgeon