Top Retinal Specialist in Birmingham: Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr. Dilraj Sahota

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Retina specialists diagnose and treat serious diseases there, such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusion. These conditions often cause vision loss if untreated, so expert care is crucial. For example, wet AMD (abnormal new vessels in the macula) is managed with regular anti-VEGF eye injections, while advanced diabetic macular oedema typically requires intravitreal drugs. By catching problems early with imaging and delivering targeted therapy, specialists like Mr. Sahota can stabilise or improve vision.

Another example is retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a blockage of a retinal vein (often by a clot) causing sudden vision loss in one eye. Treatment aims to reduce macular swelling; typically, Mr. Sahota administers intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF or a steroid implant (Ozurdex) to shrink oedema. These injections directly deliver medication to the retina, reducing harmful VEGF and inflammation. Injections help reduce inflammation, control abnormal vessel growth, and prevent further vision deterioration, making them a cornerstone of modern retinal therapy. Likewise, diabetic retinopathy (vision loss from diabetes-related vessel damage) is monitored with OCT scans and treated with injections in advanced stages.

Oxford Univerity Medical Training & Moorfields Fellowship: Mr. Sahota earned an Oxford University Medical School degree and completed an elite medical retina and uveitis fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital. This subspecialty training gives him advanced skills in diagnosing and managing macular disorders – expertise beyond standard ophthalmology.

Certified Specialist: He holds the FRCOphth qualification and has an NHS consultant role, ensuring rigorous standards of care. Memberships in EURETINA and other societies keep him abreast of global advances in retinal treatment.

Focus: He treats a wide spectrum of retina cases – wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, retinal vein occlusion, uveitis-related macular oedema, and more. His private practice is consultant-led, meaning you consistently see an experienced specialist for assessment and treatment.

Mr. Sahota’s clinic uses state-of-the-art imaging to catch retinal disease early. Technologies like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) provide high-resolution cross-sectional and blood-vessel images of the retina. These scans can reveal subtle fluid or neovascular vessels before patients notice symptoms. We combine cutting-edge OCT-Angiography with minimally invasive intravitreal injections to diagnose and treat retinal conditions with precision. This means that tiny leaks or new vessels in wet AMD can be spotted early.

• OCT-Angiography (OCT-A): A non-invasive retinal scan that maps blood flow. It directly visualises abnormal vessels in wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy, enabling faster, more accurate treatment decisions.

• Intravitreal Drug Therapy: Direct eye injections are the gold standard for treating retinal disease. Medications (anti-VEGF drugs like Eylea/Vabysmo, or Ozurdex steroid implants) are injected into the vitreous, targeting disease at its source. Studies show this approach is highly effective – as the practice notes, intravitreal injections reduce inflammation, control abnormal vessel growth and are the cornerstone of managing retinal conditions.

By pairing these diagnostics with precise treatment, patients benefit from rapid intervention. For example, if a scan shows fluid in the macula from AMD, Mr. Sahota can promptly schedule an injection session (often within a week), avoiding further vision loss.

• ZEISS CALLISTO eye® Augmented-Reality System (Russells Hall only): Markerless overlays guide incisions, capsulorhexis, and toric IOL alignment.

• Premium IOL Selection:

  • At The Westbourne Centre, the Johnson & Johnson TECNIS™ range:

    • Aspheric Monofocal IOLs (ZCB00 & Toric II): Correct –0.27 μm spherical aberration to offset age‑related corneal SA increase, preserving contrast (MTF ≥ 0.55@50 lp/mm).

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Location: 53 Church Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3SJ (near Botanical Gardens & Cricket Ground)
Facility: A modern Ramsay Health Care private eye hospital with dedicated Zeiss operating microscope and Alcon Centurion Vision System.

Access:

• Self‑Pay & Insurance: Flexible finance, major insurers recognition.

• Quick Wait Times: Consultations in 10 days; surgery in 2–3 weeks.

• Comprehensive Service: Same‑day biometry & OCT, personalised lens planning, thorough post‑op follow‑up. Premium Intraocular Lenses not available on the NHS.

Private patients enjoy comfort, speed, and premium lens technology without NHS delays.

Patients treated by Mr. Sahota frequently praise his care. For example, one patient with RVO wrote:

“Absolutely excellent service. I was diagnosed with a retinal vein occlusion and referred to hospital for an implant to stabilise my eye condition. Dr Sahota and his team put me at ease and explained the process throughout. My sight is much better again. Many thanks for your help.” — Patient feedback (Google review)

Another RVO patient shared:

“I was informed I had RVO… I couldn’t see anything from my right eye, and from being informed of this to having the injection was a very short time. Mr Sahota… his kindness, dedication, [and] professional expertise… outstanding. He took time to contact me after my post-op visit and explained the next steps. The blockage behind my eye has gone down, and the sight in my right eye…WOW is great. Thank you really is not enough… Professional… Understanding… Dedication.” — Patient feedback (Google review)

These testimonials highlight how his skill and empathy help patients feel reassured and achieve better vision outcomes.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Sahota contributes to medical research and education. He co-authored a peer-reviewed study in the journal Retina on dexamethasone intravitreal implants (Ozurdex) for treating macular oedema in RVO. This reflects his active role in evaluating retinal therapies. He also lectures locally (for optometrists and trainees) and presents at national conferences, ensuring his practice reflects the latest evidence. His involvement in research and teaching demonstrates a commitment to advancing retina care in Birmingham and beyond.

Overall, Mr. Sahota’s blend of world-class training, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care makes him one of Birmingham’s top retinal specialists. Whether you have AMD, diabetic eye disease, or an urgent condition like RVO, patients trust his expertise to protect and restore vision using the latest, most effective treatments.

Q: Do I need a referral to see a private retinal specialist?
A: No, you can self-refer. However, many patients come with an optician referral.

Q: Can I be seen urgently for sudden vision loss?
A: Yes. Sudden distortion, blurring, or blank spots should be assessed urgently — please call for availability.

Q: What treatments do you offer for wet AMD or retinal vein occlusion?
A: Most commonly, treatment involves intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs or steroid implants, depending on the diagnosis.

Q: How often will I need to come for follow-up?
A: This depends on your diagnosis, disease activity, and response to treatment. Some patients require monthly visits initially, which can later be extended.

Q: Are all retinal problems treatable?
A: Not all, but early diagnosis and modern treatment options mean many conditions can be stabilised or improved, especially if caught early.

Premium Cataract Surgery in Birmingham – Learn about advanced lens options and private cataract care

Retinal Conditions I Treat – Detailed overview of the retinal services I provide

About Mr Dilraj Sahota – My background, training, and approach to patient care

Protect and restore your vision with an expert consultant ophthalmic surgeon in Birmingham specialising in retina.

Book a free 10‑minute video consultation with Mr Dilraj Sahota—Monday evenings.
🔗 Schedule online now
📞 Call +44 121 630 4580

Last updated: August 2025
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only; not a substitute for professional advice.