12 October 2026
Advances in ophthalmology are creating new opportunities to improve outcomes for patients with complex eye conditions. Here, three Moorfields Private consultants discuss key areas where eye care is rapidly developing, and the implications for referral and treatment.
IV infusions in uveitis treatment
Harry Petrushkin, consultant ophthalmic surgeon
“For patients with non-infectious uveitis, intravenous biologic infusions can play an important role when inflammation is severe, recurrent or inadequately controlled with corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Agents such as infliximab, a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor, are commonly used in sight-threatening posterior, intermediate and panuveitis, particularly when associated with systemic inflammatory conditions such as Behçet’s disease.
“Infusion therapy offers rapid and sustained control of intraocular inflammation, helping to reduce the risk of complications including cystoid macular oedema, cataract and irreversible vision loss. Treatment is typically delivered in a hospital infusion unit at defined intervals and requires ongoing monitoring for infection risk and systemic adverse effects.
“Moorfields Private will soon offer a dedicated intravenous (IV) biologic and immunomodulatory medication service within a specialised infusion suite. Launching at our City Road site in London, the service will support patients with severe autoimmune and inflammatory eye conditions, including uveitis, scleritis and thyroid eye disease (TED). Treatment will be delivered in a dedicated infusion suite with consultant-led care and specialist nursing support.”
Diabetic retinopathy and weight loss drugs
Sharon Heng, consultant ophthalmic surgeon
“As the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and related medications such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) increases, optometrists should be aware of their potential implications for patients both with diabetic eye disease and in the general population.
“These therapies can significantly improve glycaemic control and support weight loss, helping to reduce the long-term risk of diabetes-related complications. It is well known that rapid reductions in blood glucose may be associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy in patients with previously poor glycaemic control.
“Evidence is conflicting as to whether GLP-1 receptor agonists directly worsen diabetic retinopathy. The risk may also reflect rapid improvement in blood sugar levels. Patients with existing diabetic retinopathy may therefore benefit from closer monitoring when initiating treatment.
“For all patients on GLP1s, optometrists should be aware of potential impacts to eye health. Where there are concerns about retinopathy progression, diabetic macular oedema, or new visual symptoms, referral to secondary eye care, such as Moorfields Private’s retinal screening service, may be appropriate to support further assessment and management.”
Artificial intelligence in vitreoretinal surgery
Rodrigo Anguita, consultant ophthalmic surgeon
“Artificial intelligence (AI) in vitreoretinal surgery is evolving from a simple classification tool towards a broader concept of surgical intelligence: integrating clinical data, imaging, disease phenotype and surgical information to predict risk, support decision-making and augment the surgeon.
“In our research group at Moorfields, we have developed predictive AI models for visual and anatomical outcomes following complex retinal detachment surgery, and we are currently developing an AI model to predict the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) following complex retinal detachment surgery.
“Beyond prediction, we have also developed an agentic AI system for macular pathology and a prototype AI surgical assistant capable of recognising anatomical structures and surgical steps during vitreoretinal procedures. Importantly, the system is interactive: the surgeon can query it in real time for procedural guidance or relevant vitreoretinal evidence, creating a bridge between surgical video, clinical reasoning and the scientific literature.
“These developments are helping to make vitreoretinal care increasingly precise and tailored to individual patients. For referring optometrists, they offer reassurance that patients with complex retinal conditions are receiving the best possible care at our specialist services.”
To learn more about how we can support your patients with complex eye conditions, contact our referrals team by email, or call: 020 7521 4664, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm.
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