Skip to main content

Sixth Ophthalmology Clinical Academic Trainee Forum

Share:

2 min read

Themes:

Subjects:

The NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre hosted its sixth Ophthalmology Clinical Academic Trainee Forum on 1st December 2025, aiming to offer insight and guidance to the next generation of clinician-scientists.

Led by Clinical Academic Trainee Development Lead, Prof Omar Mahroo, and brought to a close by BRC Co-Director, Professor Sir Peng Tee Khaw, the event offered an engaging programme for trainees interested in clinical academia.

Speaker Highlights:

Prof Andrew Webster, Professor of Molecular Ophthalmology and Consultant Ophthalmologist, shared key moments from his clinical academic career. He spoke about how curiosity and the “pleasure of finding things out” continue to guide his work, and highlighted the value of strong collaborators. Andrew also reflected on the unique fulfilment that comes from combining clinical practice with research.

We were fortunate to welcome Prof Sobha Sivaprasad, Honorary Professor of Vision Sciences, Director of NIHR Moorfields CRF and Consultant Ophthalmologist. Sobha delivered a powerful account of her journey from Sarawak, Malaysia and studying in India to becoming an internationally recognised leader in retinal research. She spoke about the resilience required during her early training and how mentorship and adaptability shaped her professional development. Her talk highlighted the value of embracing opportunities and staying committed to work that delivers meaningful impact for patients and the wider research community.

Finally, Dr Alasdair Warwick, NIHR Clinical Lecturer and Ophthalmologist, offered valuable insights from the perspective of an early-career clinical academic. He emphasised the importance of networking and building connections with others in the field. Alasdair also described the value of his PhD in providing the freedom to explore ideas and grow as an independent researcher.

Prof Andrew Webster and Prof Omar Mahroo stood in front of an audience of clinical academics and trainees. Andrew is delivering a talk to the audience. Behind him is a projected agenda for the sixth Ophthalmology Clinical Academic Trainee Forum.
Prof Andrew Webster
Prof Sobha Sivaprasad stood in front of an audience of clinical academics and trainees delivering a talk on her clinical academic journey. Behind her is a projector displaying a slide detailing Sobha's early life in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Prof Sobha Sivaprasad
Dr Alasdair Warwick stood in front of an audience of clinical academics and trainees delivering a talk on his clinical academic journey. Behind him is a projector displaying the NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre logo.
Dr Alasdair Warwick

Following the talks, a lively group discussion took place on what motivates clinical academics, touching on curiosity, collaboration and the satisfaction of contributing meaningful research. Many thanks to our brilliant speakers and to everyone that attended.

We look forward to our next event which will be hosted in conjunction with UCL on the 9th of March 2026.

Contacts UCL:

Sarah MacKilligin UCL Clinical IAT Programme Manager: s.mackilligin@ucl.ac.uk

UCL Clinical Academic queries: aco-enquiries@ucl.ac.uk 

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for these sessions, please email Queenie Wong (w.wong10@nhs.net).

Further information