Leading the way in Thyroid Eye Disease
Miss Vickie Lee is a consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon, who is recognised as a global leader in Thyroid Eye Disease. She combines her expertise in ophthalmology with a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration, driving advancements in patient care and innovative treatments. Discover the impact of her work and research.
Tell us about your role and your passion for research.
I was drawn to ophthalmology in medical school because it is such a visually dynamic and fascinating specialty—the eye is transparent, complex, and deeply connected to systemic disease. It’s often said the eyes are a window to the body, and that couldn’t be more true. After 22 years as a consultant, I can honestly say I’ve never had a boring day—ophthalmology constantly challenges and excites me.
My subspecialty is oculoplastic surgery, which focuses on the structures around the eye—eyelids, tear ducts, the orbit (eye socket)—and these conditions often involve intricate, multidisciplinary care. The orbit is a true crossroads of the head, bringing me into regular collaboration with ear nose and throat (ENT), neurosurgery, and maxillofacial teams, particularly in trauma. I also work closely with endocrinologists due to my particular focus on Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)—a condition that really exemplifies the need for integrated, team-based care.
TED is what ignited my passion for research. I saw early on that patients needed more than what a single specialty could offer, and that research could unlock better options. I helped set up one of London’s first joint thyroid eye clinics over 15 years ago, and the only one that is accredited by EUGOGO (European Group on Graves Orbitopathy) in the UK South East. We now run dedicated services across Western Eye and Charing Cross hospitals, bridging endocrinology, ophthalmology and other disciplines for truly patient-centred care and we have published our research in many leading scientific journals.
Vickie
"We’re entering a transformative moment for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Our Trust has run nine TED clinical treatment trials in recent years, some of which are currently recruiting patients, and I serve as the UK Chief Investigator for four of these trials."
What is Thyroid Eye Disease and what impact does it have?
TED is an autoimmune condition that affects the eye socket, often causing the eyes to bulge, become red, painful, or misaligned, leading to double vision, disfigurement, and in severe cases, blindness. It’s usually linked to Graves’ disease, which causes an overactive thyroid and disproportionately affects women, often in the prime of their life.
The physical impact is significant—but the emotional and socio-economic toll is often even greater. TED affects about half a million people in the UK, and data shows these patients face higher rates of disability, unemployment, and even suicide. Danish population registry research shows TED patients are almost three times more likely to take their own lives than the general population. Other studies have found that these patients are also seven times more likely to take sick leave, and four times more likely to receive a disability pension.
These numbers reflect what we hear from our patients every day. The journey with TED is not just medical—it affects confidence, livelihood, and quality of life. That’s why what we do matters.
What recent advancements have been made in TED treatment?
We’re entering a transformative moment for TED treatment. A repurposed cancer drug has shown promising results and is now under NICE review. This breakthrough has triggered huge interest from pharmaceutical companies, finally shining a spotlight on a condition that’s long been neglected.
I’m proud to say we’re at the forefront of this change. Our Trust has run nine TED clinical treatment trials in recent years, some of which are currently recruiting patients, and I serve as the UK Chief Investigator for four of these trials.
These trials give our patients access to cutting-edge therapies long before they reach the NHS and patients now travel to us from across the UK to join these trials—drawn by our national and international reputation. I must also give credit where it’s due as research is always collaborative: our exceptional research teams across ophthalmology, medicine and radiology and support from the Imperial College Research Facility, have made this all possible.
Vickie
"Research is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. It allows us to go beyond standard care—to improve treatments, offer choice, and genuinely change lives."
Why should clinicians get involved in research?
Research is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. It allows us to go beyond standard care—to improve treatments, offer choice, and genuinely change lives.
Personally, it’s made me a more thoughtful, inquisitive, and compassionate clinician, and I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers. Our group has published over 40 research papers over the years. Right now, we’re supervising one of our radiology residents working on his Master of Science exploring possible AI imaging in TED. He is working closely with radiology colleagues to develop custom imaging protocols for better diagnosis and tracking. I have also supervised many Imperial College London medical students for their BSc degree research projects over the years.
Looking ahead, we need research that addresses both thyroid dysfunction and eye disease together, and that keeps quality of life front and centre. In 2025, we will host the first EUGOGO Global TED Forum meeting at Imperial College London as a testament to our credentials as a leading international centre of excellence and thought leadership in the field.
Tell us more about your work with the major trauma team at St Mary’s Hospital.
I’ve worked alongside our maxillofacial colleagues since 2002. When patients present with complex facial fractures, I assess and manage eye injuries before any other reconstruction takes place—to preserve vision and prevent long-term complications.
Together, we also lead acute and post-trauma reconstruction, including ocular injuries, eyelid realignment, tear duct repair, and socket restoration. This work is highly collaborative through joint clinics and theatre lists, and it’s a privilege to help rebuild lives after such devastating injury.
