Professor Bernard Gilmartin FCOptom has very severe macular degeneration which has resulted in a dramatic loss of vision in one eye and threatens the vision in his other. He has undergone a prolonged and challenging battle that has involved extensive surgery in an attempt to save the vision in his only eye. 

Martin spoke to Professor Gilmartin and Mr Kam Balaggan, his physician, back in February 2020 at The College of Optometrists' annual conference, Optometry Tomorrow. Professor Gilmartin first captured the hearts of optometrists - many of whom he taught at university - at our conference in 2018, where he spoke candidly about his experience and Mr Balaggan's heroic efforts to save his remaining eye.

Mr Balaggan is Consultant in Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical Retina and Cataracts Wolverhampton and Midland Counties Eye Infirmary.

Details about our 2021 conference will be announced later in the year.