Professor Robert MacLaren
Qualifications
MB , ChB , DPhil, DSc, FRCS, FRCOphth, FACS, FMedSci
GMC number: 3493087
Practising since: 2005
Specialties
Ophthalmology
Consultation times
- Friday - Mornings
- Overview
Or call us on
About
Robert MacLaren is Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Oxford Eye Hospital, Honorary Professor of Ophthalmology at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Honorary Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and an NIHR Senior Investigator.
He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Fellow and former King James IV Professor of Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Bodley Fellow of Merton College Oxford and Civilian Consultant Advisor to the Royal Navy.
His research is into developing new surgical treatments for blindness, including the electronic retina and gene therapy.
In 2016 he performed the world’s first operation inside the human eye using a remotely controlled robot.
He led the first retinal gene therapy trial for the dry form of age-related macular degeneration in 2019. In 2024 he was profiled by the Ophthalmologist Magazine as one of top 100 ophthalmologists in the world.
Professor Maclaren specialises in cataract surgery and retinal surgery including macular holes and retinal detachments.
PA contact
Kiruthy Venugopal
Email: Robert.maclarenpa@nuffieldhealth.com
Phone: 01865 307499
Personal interests
Prior to ophthalmology, Robert was commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He saw active service as a Section Commander with 16 Armoured Field Ambulance and latterly served as the Surgeon Major to the Honourable Artillery Company in London.
He remains a keen supporter of the military and provides concessions for former service personnel.
Treatments and tests offered by Professor Robert MacLaren at Nuffield Health
- Vitrectomy
- Cataract Surgery
Locations Professor Robert MacLaren works with
Related experience
Research
Robert directs research into developing new clinical treatments for blindness, including stem cells, gene therapy and electronic retinal implants.
He also specialises in cataract surgery, particularly for complex cases and has optimised formulae for lens implantation in very short or long sighted eyes.
As a resident in training he received the Moorfields Eye Hospital Gold Medal and Research Prize. Subsequently he was awarded the King James IV Professorship of Surgery by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (the first eye surgeon ever to hold this title) and was also a recipient of the international ARVO/Camras Award for achievements in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice.
He has also received the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award and the RP Fighting Blindness Scientist of the Year Award.
Notable UK ophthalmology accolades include the Lang Medal, the Jessie Mole Medal, the Keeler Medal, the Percival-Hay Medal, the Sir Adrian Cadbury Medal, the Richardson-Cross Medal, the Doyne Medal and the Fincham Medal from the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.
Memberships
- European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
- European Retina Society (Committee Member)
- American Society of Retina Specialists
- The Macular Society
Other posts held
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
- Nuffield Health The Manor Hospital, Oxford
Insurers Professor Robert MacLaren works with
Professor Robert MacLaren works with the following private medical insurance providers:
- Bupa
- Bupa Global
- AXA Health
- AXA - Global Healthcare
- Simplyhealth
- Freedom Health
- Cigna
- Cigna International
- Aviva Health
- Vitality Health (Pru Health)
- WPA
- Healix
- CS Healthcare
- APRIL
- The Exeter
Declaration
Professor Robert MacLaren does not hold a share or financial interest in this hospital, another Nuffield Health hospital or the company.
Professor Robert MacLaren does not have a share or financial interest in equipment used at this hospital or another Nuffield Health hospital.
Professor Robert MacLaren does not hold any paid advisory role(s) at this hospital or on behalf of Nuffield Health.