Paediatric Vitreoretinal Surgery
If your child has a retinal condition, you need a clear explanation and a plan that takes the whole family into account. Mr Henderson provides specialist paediatric retinal assessment and surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with investigations and treatment tailored to your child.
Paediatric Retinal Surgery at GOSH
Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading centres for children’s medicine and surgery. Mr Henderson leads the ophthalmology service, managing the full range of paediatric vitreoretinal conditions that require the combined skills of an experienced retinal surgeon with an understanding of the unique challenges of operating on a child’s eye.
Children are not simply small adults — their eyes are still developing, their cooperation during examination is limited, and many conditions seen in paediatric practice are not encountered in adults. The surgical techniques, anaesthetic approach, and postoperative management must all be adapted accordingly.
“Operating on a child’s eye is amongst the most demanding work in vitreoretinal surgery. The stakes are enormous — restoring or preserving vision in a child can change the entire trajectory of their life.”
Helping your child through an appointment
Please bring any previous eye reports, glasses, medication details and information about your child’s other care. The examination and any scans will be adapted to your child’s age and ability to take part. Mr Henderson will explain if further investigations are needed and discuss the plan with you.
Paediatric Conditions
Coats Disease
An idiopathic retinal vascular condition causing exudation and exudative retinal detachment. Treated with laser, cryotherapy, and intravitreal injections. Surgery for advanced cases.
Coloboma
A congenital gap in the retina, choroid, or optic nerve caused by incomplete fusion of the optic fissure. Surveillance for retinal detachment and management of associated complications.
Paediatric Retinal Detachment
Rare but sight-threatening. Often associated with genetic conditions, trauma, or extreme prematurity. Requires technically demanding vitrectomy surgery.
Inherited Retinal Dystrophies
Early-onset conditions including LCA, CRB1 dystrophy, and Stargardt disease. Diagnosis, surveillance, genetic counselling, and access to gene therapy where eligible.
Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
A genetic condition affecting retinal vascular development, causing a spectrum from mild peripheral avascularity to severe tractional retinal detachment.
Retinopathy of Prematurity
A potentially blinding condition affecting premature infants. Management in collaboration with the neonatal team, including laser treatment and surgery for advanced cases.
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Arrange a Consultation
Discuss your symptoms, ask questions and understand your options before deciding on treatment.
To arrange an assessment for a child with a vitreoretinal condition, please contact Alison Anscombe, Mr Henderson’s secretary:
07762 112552 · moorfields.rhenderson@nhs.net
Or use the contact form on this website. Referrals from GPs and other specialists are welcome.