Paul J. Foster

Professor of Ophthalmic Epidemiology and Glaucoma Studies, Theme Leader – Population and Data Sciences, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK

Why did you decide to pursue ophthalmology/your subspecialty?

I love the precision and cleanliness of ophthalmology, and that we have some very good treatments (cataract surgery is arguably the “best” operation ever devised). Additionally, I am very tall, probably one of the tallest ophthalmologists in the world. I wanted to pursue a surgical speciality that didn’t require me to bend over an operating table if I was operating with someone much shorter.

Who are your role models?

I am hugely inspired by great scientists who struggled with rudimentary equipment throughout history to make sophisticated scientific advances. Isaac Newton has had a huge impact on humanity and was a fascinating figure.

What is your proudest contribution to ophthalmology/your subspecialty?

I feel privileged to have been able to contribute to improving the outcomes for patients with angle-closure glaucoma.

What do you credit most for your success over the course of your career?

My parents, and teachers all deserve huge credit for giving me the chance to enter medical school and then go into ophthalmology. However, Prof Sir Peng Tee Khaw has been a constant supporting figure, guiding my career; he deserves huge credit for the things I have accomplished.

What would you like to see change in ophthalmology/your subspecialty over the next 10 years – and why?

I hope that we gain a better understanding of what causes glaucoma, how to detect people at risk of losing vision, and how to better treat the condition. It is a complex condition, and presents challenges not present in other diseases.

If you weren’t an ophthalmologist, what would you be doing?

I would be a marine biologist!

If you could restart your career, would you do anything differently? 

Worry less – and enjoy the “wins” more when they happen.

When you are no longer practicing, what do you want your legacy to be?

To have made the world a better place to live in. 

Do you have any advice for young, aspiring ophthalmologists?

It’s a hard climb, but the view gets better the higher you go.