Moorfields appoints new medical director

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Nick Strouthidis to the post of medical director. Currently a consultant ophthalmologist in Moorfields’ glaucoma service and the glaucoma service director, Nick has worked for the Trust since 2002.

Nick began his career at Moorfields as a research fellow to the glaucoma research unit and completed most of his training at Moorfields as both a registrar and a clinical glaucoma fellow. His clinical interests cover all aspects of adult glaucoma, particularly new surgical treatments. Alongside corneal consultant colleague Mark Wilkins, he runs the UK’s first integrated clinic for patients undergoing keratoprostheses, a surgical procedure to replace a diseased cornea with an artificial cornea.

Nick was appointed to this pivotal role following a rigorous recruitment process, involving external stakeholders.

Nick Strouthidis said:
“It is an honour to take on the role of medical director at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, an organisation that has shaped my professional life. I will work hard with our incredible staff to ensure we succeed in delivering our five-year strategy to work with patients and partners to discover, develop and deliver the best eye care.”

The search for a new medical director began in response to outgoing medical director Declan Flanagan stepping down after eight years to focus on his clinical practice. Declan will continue to serve as medical director until August, when Nick takes up the post. After that, Declan will remain with the trust as a consultant ophthalmologist in the medical retina service, where he specialises in the treatment of retinal diseases.

David Probert, chief executive of Moorfields Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:
“I look forward to Nick joining the executive team at Moorfields and congratulate him on his appointment. I am incredibly grateful for Declan’s exceptional leadership throughout his time as medical director.”

Declan Flanagan said: “Spending the past eight years as Moorfields’ medical director has been a privilege. I am proud that, despite growing demand for our services, our clinical outcomes continue to be among the best in the world.”