Professor Tom Williamson
MBChB • FRCS (Glas) • FRCOphth • MD
Professor Tom Williamson is a highly-regarded vitreoretinal surgeon with over four decades of experience. Known for his precision, clinical judgement, and commitment to patient outcomes, he has performed one of the largest documented series of vitreoretinal surgeries worldwide.
About Professor Williamson
Graduating from Glasgow University Medical School in 1984 (MBChB), Professor Williamson completed ophthalmic training at the Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology. In 1987, he performed his first retinal surgery and has worked in this field ever since.
Today, he is Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist with a full-time vitreoretinal sub-specialist practice at St Thomas’ Hospital, London. His surgical record includes the largest known single-surgeon international dataset of over 20,000 operations.
Alongside his surgical practice, Professor Williamson manages a broad range of other ophthalmic conditions and is the founder of the Expert Dry Eye Clinic.
Core principles of care
Technical excellence
Every procedure is performed to the highest surgical standard, using refined techniques developed over decades.
Honesty & clarity
Patients receive straightforward, informed advice, even when it means delivering difficult truths.
Personalised care
Consultations allow the time needed for a full understanding of each patient’s case, with ongoing continuity of care.
42 years
in ophthalmology
20,000+
surgical procedures performed
250+
published works
60+
fellows trained
Advancing retinal care worldwide
Professor Williamson’s work extends beyond the operating theatre:
- He founded the Eyehope charity in 2007, a charity that funds research, training, and teaching in eye disease.
- Through his company Infinite Medical Ventures, he is pioneering AI-assisted diagnostic tools to make retinal care more precise and accessible.
- He plays an active role in international collaborations such as the Vail Vitrectomy Meeting in the USA, Floretina, and ESASO, where he shares new techniques with peers from across the world.
Training and mentorship
Professor Williamson runs a highly-sought-after international vitreoretinal fellowship programme at St Thomas’ Hospital. Over 60 fellows have trained under his supervision, many now consultant surgeons in leading centres around the world. His role as Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey and Clinical Lecturer at King’s College London further reflects his dedication to education.
Research and publications
A respected authority in retinal disease, Professor Williamson has authored over 247 publications in scientific journals, books, and book chapters. His writing includes the highly acclaimed Vitreoretinal Surgery (3rd ed.) textbook – the leading surgical manual for vitreoretinal surgeons.
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