Dundee will be the first Scottish centre offering laser treatment for corneal diseases through the National Health Service following the appointment of Charles McGhee as Dundee University's first professor of ophthalmology.
Professor McGhee, who is funded by Dundee Teaching Hospitals, was formerly professor of ocular therapeutics in Sunderland Eye Infirmary. He is strongly committed to making NHS treatment available by using the income from paying patients, including surgeons' fees, to support the work of the new eye laser unit.
Dundee is only the fourth NHS trust in the United Kingdom to provide such laser treatment for corneal diseases and myopia. The ultra-violet beam removes corneal scars that could previously be treated only by grafts. Up to 20 per cent of patients will be able to be treated in minutes.