Professor David Gartry is Consultant Ophthalmologist to Moorfields Eye Hospital, and Visiting Professor to the faculty of Visual Sciences at City University, London. Today, his patients include royalty, A-listers, famous musicians, celebrity chefs, as well as high-flying business men and women.
He was one of the first surgeons in the world to perform laser eye surgery, way back in November 1989. That gives him the longest experience in this field of any eye surgeon in the UK. He has performed over 20,000 treatments to date, which is more than some clinics.
What makes him different? As the person we might consider the father of laser eye surgery in the UK, Professor Gartry tops the list of the 10 best laser eye surgeons in the UK, based on thousands of patient reviews since 2002.
What else should I know? Professor Gartry underwent laser eye surgery (LASIK) himself in October 2000, so he fully understands the process from both the doctor’s and the patient’s perspective. He recently founded the Wimpole Eye Clinic to help more people enjoy freedom from glasses.
☝ So is he the one? You’re the only one that can answer that. If you would like a second opinion, you can find the top-rated eye surgery clinic near you using our simple tool here, and book a free consultation with an eye expert to discuss your options.
1. Training and Prizes
Graduating in 1978 with a first class honours degree in Optometry from Glasgow Caledonian University, David then completed his pre-registration year at Moorfields Eye Hospital in 1979. With the first place in the UK professional qualifying examinations under his belt, he was awarded the Colebrook and Porter prizes of The British College of Optometrists, the Master’s Prize of The Spectacle Makers Company (SMC) and the J Stephen Dawson Memorial award of The Institute of Optometry.
He then read Medicine at University College London, where he won several academic awards including the annual national Sir Stewart Duke-Elder prize in Ophthalmology. He became a Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists in 1988. And that same year, while at St Thomas’ Hospital, he became involved in the first research work evaluating the then new excimer laser to treat corneal surface disease.
From 1989 to 1992, Professor Gartry held a full-time Iris Fund Research Fellowship, investigating the potential clinical applications of the laser and in November 1989, and became the first surgeon in The United Kingdom to perform laser eye surgery (photorefractive keratectomy or PRK).
He was responsible for the selection and monitoring of all patients in the original St Thomas’ Hospital research trials. And this culminated in the a thesis entitled ‘The Development of Excimer Laser Corneal Surgery in the UK’, which earned him the higher degree of Doctor of Medicine from The University of London.
2. Qualifications
Progessor Gartry moved to Moorfields Eye Hospital in 1992, and from January 1998 onwards he was responsible for the first LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) research protocols there. He has published over 50 scientific papers relating to laser corneal surgery, and has spoken at numerous scientific meetings around the world.
In 1991, he was awarded The Storz Medal and in 1993 The Iris Fund Triennial Award. He has written several book chapters and co-edited 3 textbooks: ‘Excimer Lasers in Ophthalmology – Principles and Practice’ (1997, Martin Dunitz), ‘Cataract Surgery’ (2003, BMA publishing) and ‘Corneal Surgery’ (2013, Springer Verlag).
In February 1995 he delivered one of the prestigious discourse lectures to The Royal Institution of Great Britain, a leading scientific society, and following this was made a member of The Royal Institution. In 2006 he was appointed Visiting Professor to City University and was Refractive Service Director at Moorfields from 2006 to 2013.
He holds The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (2007), and was entered into the 2007 edition of ‘Who’s Who’. In 2010, he was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree (DSc) by Glasgow Caledonian University. And in 2013, he received a lifetime fellowship of the College of Optometrists in recognition of his contributions to the field of ophthalmic surgery.
3. Prices
Laser eye surgery costs and lens replacement surgery costs are fixed and easy to digest at the Wimpole Eye Clinic. These are the latest prices (for both eyes) for laser eye surgery at this clinic with surgery by David Gartry:
| Eye Surgery Procedure | Price (both eyes) |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | £195 |
| IntraLASIK / LASEK with Wavefront | £4,480 |
| IntraLASIK/ LASEK with Wavefront (Higher Prescriptions) | £4,980 |
| Surgery package for standard treatment with a premium monofocal lens | £3,517 |
| Surgery package for laser assisted treatment with a premium monofocal lens | £4,138 |
| Special order/custom made lens | From £575 |
So how do these prices compare? Unlike with high street clinics such as Optical Express or Ultralase, the initial consultation with Professor Gartry is not free. Plus, any follow-up consultations will slap another £150 on top.
The surgery costs are also higher than at some other eye clinics. Yes, all procedures comes with Wavefront technology as standard, which is a high-precision AI-enhanced laser. But remember other treatment centres will sometimes give their own name to their advanced laser technology – at Optical Express, it’s called iDesign, at Optegra it’s Clairvu.
Are there any hidden costs? Yes and no. These prices include extensive eye tests before treatment, and any aftercare visits will be free for the first two years following surgery.
But patients will usually need two to three follow-up consultations, which are £150 a pop. If you suffer from very high prescriptions or astigmatism, your cost of surgery may even be higher than the prices above.
If these prices are more than you would feel comfortable paying, you might like to consider a leading high street clinic, as most will offer monthly payment options for as little as £30 a month for two years.
4. Professor Gartry Review: The Verdict
David Gartry continues to be at at the forefront of technological innovation in laser eye surgery. But he actually specialises in cataract surgery, and was one of the first UK surgeons to evaluate and adopt the latest femtosecond laser.
So, is Professor Gartry the right eye surgeon for you? Of course, that all depends on where you live, and what you’re looking for.
To find out, you might like to book a consultation with Professor Gartry to meet him, and discuss your eye care in detail. This will cost £195. Or, you can talk to an eye expert commitment-free by finding a well-reviewed eye surgery clinic that offers full eye tests and a surgery consultation at no cost at all.
☝ To find a top-rated laser eye surgery clinic near you, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and receive a tailored match and quote from a clinic you can trust.
Professor David S Gartry Reviews
Wendy Watson
Very happy with outcome to date
Sarah Brendlor
I’ve been short sighted since I was young and now developed early onset of cataracts. My eyesight was depressing me. After much research I found David Gartry. David and his team made me feel relaxed and reassured from my first consultation through to the procedure it self. It really is a life changing operation, definitely the best decision I have ever made. I can’t recommend David Gartry enough nor thank him enough.
Emily M
I underwent LASIK eye surgery 3 months ago at Moorfields Hospital. I was longsighted (+2.5) and now have 20/20 vision, I would highly recommend to anyone considering it the operation. The treatment that I received and the overall experience with both the hospital and Professor Gartry was 5* and I believe that it is worth paying slightly extra for the reassurance that you are in good hands.
Shelley
All of the staff incredibly helpful and friendly. Answered every conceivable question with patience and I did have a lot. Lots of flexibility of where and when I could make an appointment. When I needed to make extra appointments because I was worried about how I was healing, they always fitted me in, got back to me when they said and generally put my mind at ease.
The Lasek surgery was explained to me in detail, Professor Gartry answered every question, I didn’t feel rushed. He explained that in some instances, it can take a little longer to heal, I was one of those patients. It took nearly 5 weeks before my vision was back to normal. Be prepared that you might not be able to drive, travel, use computers or anything that involves your eyes for a while.
The surgery was uncomfortable, I’ll just say “clockwork orange” if you have seen the film, you’ll know what I mean, but not painful. You are given lots of painkillers, drops, lotions and potions to take home. It feels like you have grit in your eyes, your eyes water, the vision is blurred and the eyes heal at different speeds, so be prepared for headaches. It gradually gets better.
It is now four months on, I am still amazed that I can see without glasses!
Tony Parker
Great pre assessment and advice.
Great experience during works.
Results are amazing
Should have done it sooner
David
Gartry
I had worn glasses/contact lenses since my teens and required cataract surgery in both eyes in my early fifties which left my eyesight rather better than it had been for thirty years, but not good enough to live without glasses and with a significant astigmatism. I therefore decided to go to see David Gartry, who had been recommended by the surgeon who had done my cataract surgery, to discuss refractive laser surgery.
At my initial consultation David recommended that I underwent YAG laser capsulotomy (to correct clouding of the capsule following the cataract surgery) prior to the refractive laser surgery.
Having had the YAG laser capsulotomy, I had a second set of diagnostic tests and consultation with David during which I opted for monovision; with the aim of avoiding the need for glasses at all. I went ahead with the surgery (IntraLASIK) and have been delighted with the results. With my right eye (corrected for distance) I can now read the smallest line in the chart! With my left eye (corrected for reading) I’m able to read the smallest print on the test page. I can also read a computer screen easily. No issues with the different focus between the eyes, with almost perfect vision from 60cm to infinity (slight, hardly noticeable, soft focus at about 1.5m where neither eye is perfectly in focus). Immediately after the surgery I experienced a halo around lights at night, but after a while this went completely. Occasionally my eyes are a little dry, but better than when I was wearing contact lenses previously. All in all a great outcome and no more glasses!
David was friendly and professional throughout and I should recommend him.
Huck Lim
Iam 39, prescription level of -6 both eyes with astigmatism. Been short sighted since early teens so pretty bad. Runs on my mother side of family.
I researched a bit and landed on moorfields, didn’t want to go to a high street chain.
Had the initial paid consultation they test it to see if you are suitable or not. I believe they can operate on minus 10.
David gartry is pretty experienced in these ops which is reassuring.
Had the op soon after, very quick procedure and painless but uncomfortable for the short duration. You take eye drops for one month after to aid the healing process.
I had he op on a Saturday back at work on the Monday however if you can take a few days off I would recommend it.
I just had my 3 month check up and apparently I am 2020 in one eye and 2015 in the other.
The only downside at the moment is I see halos at night , car lights etc. They said it should reduce next few months however it’s not guaranteed. It doesnt really affect me and I think this is a tiny downside to the current vision I have. Worth the money!
Thomas Thomson
All complete, better than 20/15 vision with no issues.
In and out in very little time and no concerns with good aftercare, thank you David
Lydia Wells
I have wanted laser eye surgery for a long time. I could wear contact lenses no problem but never liked how completely reliant I was on them and always dreamed of waking up and actually being able to see! I was a -8.25 in both eyes, so pretty short sighted. Dr Gartry was very thorough and explained the details fully and recommended that, due to my prescription and having thinner corneas, I had Lasek. After surgery, it was quite sore and I was disappointed to end up as a -1 and a -0.75. However, occasionally it requires a two step process when you have such a high prescription and 3 months later, I had the -1 eye re-done and it is now perfect. My distance vision is 20/20 and the slightly short sighted eye counteracts the need to reading glasses. I did have the option of having the other eye made perfect too but then I would have needed reading glasses (something I expected anyway) but as it is, this blended vision has worked really well. The only thing I would say is that, for me, I found it quite sore afterwards and each time it did take a month to fully heal and for the haziness to completely clear. However, the end results are definitely worth it! Would highly recommend Moorfields.
daniel morris
Professor Gartry was excellent in all aspects of the surgery, providing detailed and relevant advice throughout, while making me feel completely at ease with the procedures.
Zahra moosavi
My experience with Professor Gartry and his team was wonderful from start to finish. He explained the options fully and made sure I was comfortable with my choice. I’m thrilled with the results and would highly recommend him to family and friends.
