Susan Downes

Professor Susan Downes is a leading figure in ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, serving as a Professor of Ophthalmology and Consultant Ophthalmologist at Oxford Eye Hospital since 2000. She is Deputy Lead for the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Clinical Lead for the Eye Research Group Oxford (ERGO). Her work spans clinical practice, research, and education, with extensive collaborations across the UK and internationally.

• MSc (Southampton)
• FRCOphth (Royal College of Ophthalmology)
• MBChB, MD (Res) (Bristol)
• MD in inherited retinal degeneration (UCL, Moorfields Eye Hospital)

Susan specializes in inherited retinal dystrophies, retinal drug toxicity, and age-related macular degeneration, integrating clinical practice with cutting-edge research using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for genetic testing in inherited retinal diseases (IRD). Her work has significantly advanced translational research in retinal disorders.

She has received prestigious recognition, including:

• Gold medal for outstanding achievement (2014, Oxford University Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust)
• Inclusion in the 2021 Top List of Women in European Vision Research

Susan plays a pivotal role in education and training, supervising DPhil students, leading ophthalmology teaching programs, and mentoring medical professionals. She also contributes to national networks as the Ophthalmology Clinical Research Network lead for Thames Valley and South Midlands.