General, Emergency and Research Ophthalmology
Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
General, Emergency and Research at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
Manchester Royal Eye Hospital is the second largest Eye Hospital in the UK and benefits both from being part of a major teaching trust and from its strong ties to The University of Manchester. We provide secondary and tertiary care to residents of Greater Manchester and beyond. The sub-specialty areas include Paediatric Ophthalmology, Oculoplastics, Neuro-ophthalmology, Cornea, Uveitis, Cataract, Glaucoma, Medical Retina and Vitreoretinal.
The Eye Emergency Department sees up to 100 urgent patients each day with a diverse range of presentations. It is open between 8am and 8pm daily and is staffed by doctors, specialist nurses and optometrists.
Staff at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital are engaged in a broad research field, from laboratory studies, through original development in new technology, diagnostics and treatments to a role in global clinical trials on new treatments for ocular disease. We have a strong ophthalmic genetics unit, longstanding research into vitreous biochemistry and there are strengths in glaucoma research, all facilitated by close links to the University of Manchester.
In addition to developing new technologies, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital has a strong background in assessing the latest global devices that have been released into the world of ophthalmology. Clinical research is performed to a high standard by consultants in several specialities and by allied health professionals including optometry, vision science and orthoptics.
Fellowships and observerships at Manchester Specialist Health Academy provide international clinicians with structured opportunities to experience high quality healthcare training within a leading NHS environment. Both pathways offer consultant oversight, a clear induction, and access to modern clinical settings that support a strong understanding of advanced patient care. Participants are welcomed into a professional community that encourages learning, collaboration, and engagement with the culture of Manchester.
While fellows take part in more in depth clinical development, gaining exposure to subspecialties, procedures and research, observers focus on shadowing and understanding multidisciplinary practice within NHS services. Both groups benefit from involvement in clinics, team discussions, and wider learning activities such as simulation sessions, CPD opportunities, and quality improvement insight.
Academic contributions and awards
Julian TH, Fitzgerald T, UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium, Birney E, Sergouniotis PI. Pigmentation and retinal pigment epithelium thickness: a study of the phenotypic and genotypic relationships between ocular and extraocular pigmented tissues. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcmr.70038
Sergouniotis PI, Diakite A, Gaurav K, Birney E, Fitzgerald T. Autoencoder-based phenotyping of ophthalmic images highlights genetic loci influencing retinal morphology and provides epidemiologically informative biomarkers. Bioinformatics. 2024; 41:btae732. https://doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/btae732
Green DJ, Michaud V, Lasseaux E, Plaisant C, UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium, Fitzgerald T, Birney E, Black GC, Arveiler B, Sergouniotis PI. The co-occurrence of genetic variants in the TYR and OCA2 genes confers susceptibility to albinism. Nat Commun. 2024; 15:8436. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52763-y
Andhika NS, Biswas S, Hardcastle C, Green DJ, Ramsden SC, Birney E, Black GC, Sergouniotis PI. Using computational approaches to enhance the interpretation of missense variants in the PAX6 gene. Eur J Hum Genet. 2024; 32:1005-1013 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-024-01638-3
Palmer E, Stepien KM, Campbell C, Barton S, Iosifidis C, Ghosh A, Broomfield A, Woodall A, Wilcox G, Sergouniotis PI*, Black GC*. Clinical, biochemical and molecular analysis in a cohort of individuals with gyrate atrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2023; 18:265. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-023-02840-0
Sergouniotis PI, Michaud V, Lasseaux E, Campbell C, Plaisant C, Javerzat S, Birney E, Ramsden SC, Black GC, Arveiler B. A multilayered approach to the analysis of genetic data from individuals with suspected albinism. J Med Genet. 2023; 60:1245-1249. https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg-2022-109088
Julian TH, Girach Z, Sanderson E, Guo H, Yu J, Cooper-Knock J, Black GC, Sergouniotis PI. Causal factors in primary open angle glaucoma: a phenome-wide Mendelian randomisation study. Sci Rep. 2023; 13:9984. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-37144-7
Julian T, Cooper-Knock J, MacGregor S, Guo H, Aslam T, Sanderson E, Black GC, Sergouniotis PI. Phenome-wide Mendelian randomisation analysis identifies causal factors for age-related macular degeneration. eLife. 2023; 12:e82546. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.82546
Kiraly P, Lippera M, Ally N, Agarwal R, Mehta R, Moussa G, Ivanova T, Dhawahir-Scala F, Patton N, Turner G, Charles S, Jalil A, Jasani KM. To Drain or Not to Drain? The Manchester Buckle Study. Retina. 2026 Apr 30. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004856. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42059804
Lippera M, Kiraly P, Ally N, Alnafisee N, Agarwal R, Jalil A, Ivanova T, Moussa G, Dhawahir-Scala F, Patton N, Turner G, Charles S, Jasani K. The Manchester buckle study: 15-year outcomes and predictive factors for success in scleral buckling for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Br J Ophthalmol. 2026 Feb 17:bjo- 2025-328525. doi: 10.1136/bjo-2025-328525. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41702685
Christou EE, Ivanova T, Patton N, Moussa G, Kiraly P, Huelin FJ, MacLaren RE, Jalil A. A literature review of macular holes in age-related macular degeneration: insights into the pathogenesis, prognosis and surgical outcomes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2026 Feb 12. doi: 10.1007/s00417-026-07146-y. Epub ahead ofprint. PMID: 41677821.
Kiraly P, Lippera M, Ally N, Agarwal R, Moussa G, Ivanova T, Dhawahir-Scala F, Patton N, Turner G, Charles S,Jalil A, Jasani KM. Outcomes and complications of sponges versus tires for scleral buckling in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: The Manchester Buckle Study. Acta Ophthalmol. 2026 Jan 27. doi: 10.1111/aos.70082. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41589551.
Lippera M, Moussa G, Michaels L, Ng JKY, Jalil A, Ivanova T, Dhawahir-Scala F, Jasani K, Patton N. 3D volumetric analysis outperforms 2D linear measurements in predicting vision after surgery for epiretinal membranes. An exploratory machine learning study. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2026 Mar;264(3):711-721. doi: 10.1007/s00417-025-07048-5. Epub 2025 Dec 3. PMID: 41335342.
Kiraly P, Lippera M, Agarwal R, Ivanova T, Moussa G, Dhawahir-Scala F, Patton N, Turner G, Charles S, Jalil A, Jasani K. Outcomes of Scleral Buckling in Paediatric Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: The Manchester Buckle Study. J Clin Med. 2025 Aug 20;14(16):5874. doi: 10.3390/jcm14165874. PMID: 40869704; PMCID: PMC12387369
Ferrara M, Moussa G, Jalil A, Tzoumas N, Ivanova T, Yorston D, Steel DHW; BEAVRS and EURETINA Retinal Detachment Outcomes Group. Influence of drainage retinotomy on anatomical and visual outcomes of parsplana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2025 Aug 17;10(1):e002038. doi: 10.1136/bmjophth-2024-002038. PMID: 40819879; PMCID: PMC1235942
Younis A, Shiwani H, Green EKY, Foo E, Sharma V, Dignan FL, Dharmasena A. Diagnostic Role of Tissue Biopsy in Leukemic or Lymphomatous Infiltrative Optic Neuropathy: A Case Report and Systematic Review of Literature. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2025 Jul-Aug 01;41(4):388-395. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000002876. Epub 2025 Jan 16. PMID: 40622223.
Rees A, Khan R, Choi J, Nash C, Hawley D, Pockar S, Wong SW, Varnier G, Sharma V, Chieng A, Ashworth J. Clinical outcomes of weekly adalimumab in refractory non-infectious paediatric uveitis and the role of serum drug levels and anti-adalimumab antibodies. Eye (Lond). 2026 May 29. doi: 10.1038/s41433-026-04460-x. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42215634.
Kollia E, Shenoy BH, Sharma V, Sadia R, Ashworth J, Biswas S. Outcomes of Paediatric Glaucoma Surgery: Insights From a Five-Year Retrospective Study in Manchester. Cureus. 2025 Aug 12;17(8):e89925. doi: 10.7759/cureus.89925. PMID: 40951239; PMCID: PMC12425557
Why Manchester?
Manchester is a city of innovation and progress, renowned as the world’s first industrial city and still leading in science, healthcare, and technology. With excellent transport links and a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, it offers an inclusive environment for learning and professional growth.
Beyond your placement, Manchester offers something for everyone - from watching the iconic Manchester derby to exploring world-class museums and galleries. With vibrant music, sport, and culture, the city truly has it all. Combining heritage and modernity, it creates a unique setting for personal enrichment and memorable experiences whilst you develop professionally.
Meet our expert supervisors
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.
Amira Stylianides
MB, ChB, FRCP
Dr Amira Stylianides is a Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist and Clinical Lead for Uveitis at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Appointed in 2020, she specialises in uveitis, medical ophthalmology, and rheumatology, with extensive experience in the management of ocular inflammation and immunosuppression therapies. Alongside her clinical practice, she is actively involved in clinical research, national service leadership, and the training of future medical ophthalmologists.
Our signature programmes
Fellowship
General, Emergency and Research Ophthalmology
Objectives
By the end of the placement, the visiting professional will develop:
- Experience in managing emergency presentations to Ophthalmology.
- Experience in General Ophthalmology.
- Experience of procedures including AC tap/vitreous tap and injection of antibiotics.
- Experience in delivering clinical trials, GCP training, planning, recruiting patients and taking consent, carrying out imaging and organising investigation of patients, collecting and analysing data, meeting with supervisors, writing manuscripts. The postholder will be required to carry out research clinics, and attend ophthalmology teaching.
Eligibility
- Postgraduate Qualification: Applicants must hold an overseas-recognised postgraduate medical qualification (MD, MS, Masters) in ophthalmology or a relevant specialty.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ recent experience in ophthalmology or a related specialty within the last 5 years, including at least 12 months of continuous practice before applying.
- Training Level: Equivalent to ST5 or above, or post-CCT clinicians seeking subspecialty exposure.
- Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic with 7.0 in each band and overall 7.5, or OET Medicine with Grade B in all domains, with certificate validity within 24 months.
- Registration: GMC registration is required for fellowship activity. Sponsorship support may be available through approved routes where appropriate.
- Applicants must not have failed PLAB exams previously.
- Visa sponsorship is only available through approved routes; self-funded visas outside agreed schemes are excluded.