Behind the scenes of modern eye care
From early inspiration at home to helping patients see the world more clearly, Miss Meera Radia’s path to becoming a consultant ophthalmologist has been shaped by her love of learning and innovation. Here, she shares what she loves most about her specialty and how she supports patients and residents at the Western Eye Hospital.
Tell us about your career journey so far.
I studied medicine in London and completed a Bachelor of Science in Public Health as part of my degree – both of which piqued my interest in global health. I was also fortunate enough to spend part of my medical elective in Samoa working in ophthalmology.
Upon applying for an ophthalmology residency programme, I ranked in the top 10 for national recruitment and had the privilege of undertaking my ophthalmic training across both Western Eye and Moorfields Eye hospitals. Seeing as I started my ophthalmic journey at the Western Eye, starting my first consultant post here felt like coming home. It is an honour to be surrounded by colleagues who feel like family.
Alongside my consultant post, I have a strong interest in digital innovation and have developed an award-winning commercial eye care telemedicine app, as well as completing a master's in business administration (MBA) degree, and the NHS England Clinical Entrepreneur Programme fellowship.
My app helps support community optometrists with clinical advice and guidance and reduces preventable patient attendances to hospital eye care services by up to 58 per cent, saving patients’ time and travel cost. I was honoured to be awarded the Collaborative Eye Care Award by The Ophthalmologist and The New Optometrist for the app, and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Future Leader Award in 2023.
Meera Radia"Seeing as I started my ophthalmic journey at the Western Eye, starting my first consultant post here felt like coming home."
What drew you to ophthalmology?
Growing up with a mother who works as an optometrist, I was ‘surrounded by eyes’ so to speak from a very early age.
Then during medical school, I really enjoyed my ophthalmology placement, as I found it the most tangible specialty in medicine as you can observe signs and diagnose and treat a patient all in one consultation – which is really rewarding!
Ophthalmology also offers the perfect blend of medicine with surgery, alongside cutting-edge research and innovation, so I knew it was the right choice for me.
Do you have a typical working day?
My days are enjoyable and varied – ranging from training residents in cataract surgery, supervising eye casualty, and working in outpatient clinics.
I juggle my clinical work with my role as associate college tutor at the Western Eye, where I am responsible for the education and training needs of residents.
What do you enjoy most about your consultant role?
I enjoy the rewarding feeling of helping patients and using clinical decision making to deal with complex cases and figure out appropriate management plans. I also really enjoy teaching junior residents, especially in cataract surgery.
What are some of the most common conditions your patients present with?
In an eye casualty setting, patients often present with acutely painful ‘red eye’ typically from ocular inflammation (uveitis), infection or trauma. I use my time with patients to educate them about their eye health, because preventing illness is always better than treating it.
Are there any specific clinical interests or sub-specialties you’re passionate about?
I’m currently undertaking a second fellowship year in Uveitis and Medical Retina alongside my day job. I enjoy learning about new drug innovations in this field and had the chance to learn more about clinical trials when I worked on a placement year in the pharmaceutical industry. I also love cataract surgery and eye casualty, as it keeps you clinically sharp!
Meera Radia
"Ophthalmology also offers the perfect blend of medicine with surgery, alongside cutting-edge research and innovation, so I knew it was the right choice for me."
Is there any exciting research or innovations happening within ophthalmology or at the Western Eye Hospital?
There is always so much innovation happening! I’m really interested in new treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration – an eye condition that causes blurred vision or reduced central vision – such as Ranibizumab port delivery systems, and drugs such as Tocilizumab (IL-6 inhibitor) and JAK-1 inhibitors which treat non-infectious uveitis.
I am also fascinated by oculomics – a field of research that involves analysing data from the eye, particularly the retina, to gain insights about a person's overall health. It uses advanced imaging techniques (like retinal scans) and combines them with AI and big data analysis to detect signs of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
You are part of a group of consultants who are helping to establish a social media presence for the Western Eye Hospital. Tell us a bit about this.
Our aim is to raise the public profile of the Western Eye and the Imperial Ophthalmology residency programme, highlighting the countless training opportunities available to residents and their achievements.
Residents receive world-class training here, and our goal is to highlight this to reach a wider audience of aspiring ophthalmologists and medical students around the country.
Finally, what would you bring to a potluck lunch?
A no brainer for me – my famous/infamous (depending on who you ask!) butter chicken, with all the accoutrements (gunpowder potatoes, homemade garlic naan) ...
