Professor Paulo Stanga

Prof. Paulo E. Stanga is a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon for the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) and Professor of Ophthalmology and Retinal Regeneration for the University of Manchester. Previous appointments: Lecturer in Ophthalmology for the University of Liverpool, Vitreoretinal Fellow at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Medical Retina Fellow at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Retina Research Fellow, New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical College, New York, USA.

Prof. Stanga is the Chairman of the MREH Research Steering Committee and specialises and leads in the development and introduction into clinical care of medical devices, both diagnostic/imaging and therapeutic, as well as new surgical techniques/therapies.

Prof. Stanga is a Developer, early adopter and introducer of new technology and therapies, which have ensured that MREH/CMFT are world pioneers and lead the country in the treatment of retinal diseases in adults and children. Now established as routine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. MREH/CMFT are first to offer these therapies to its NHS patients with reduction of side effects and cost of care to the NHS.

Since 1993, Prof. Stanga has worked in the development and application of new outpatient and surgical therapies and technologies. Current research interests are: Vitreo-retinal Imaging, Pharmacological, Surgical and Laser treatment of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Oedema, Laser-Tissue Interaction, evelopment of a novel Ultrasound-based Vitrector, Electronic Retinal Implants for Artificial Vision and Stem-Cell Therapy.

Prof. Stanga introduced, amongst others, OCT into the clinical setting in the UK in 1998, PascalÒ Laser into the EU in 2006 and has also pioneered Swept-Source OCT, having introduced into the EU in 2012, as well as Angiographic OCT, having introduced it into the UK in 2015. Prof. Stanga has also pioneered OptosÒ Wide-Field retinal imaging and Wide-Field Imaging-guided tissue-sparing laser treatment strategies in adults and children.

Prof. Stanga is Principal Investigator in several industry-sponsored trials and Scientific Advisor to several commercial companies that develop pharmacological therapies, diagnostic or therapeutic equipment and medical implants.

Prof. Stanga has organised and leads the first ever trial on the use of an electronic retinal prosthesis for Artificial Vision in Age-related Macular Degeneration.

Prof Stanga has set up and is Study Chief Investigator (International) as well as Principal Investigator (Local) for 3 International Clinical Trials in Diabetic Retinopathy worth £2.5M, to test new Imaging and Laser techniques with the aim of reducing the number of intraocular injections frequently needed to treat this condition. Aimed starting date: ¾ 2015.

Prof Stanga has also set up and is Principal Investigator for the first ever Manchester trial of stem-cell therapy in retinal disease. Aimed starting date: ¾ 2015.

Prof. Stanga has set up with Mr Susmito Biswas in 2010, one of only two national Regional Paediatric Vitreoretinal Services. We carry out monthly-dedicated joint clinics and theatre lists. We aim for all patients to undergo refraction and all necessary Retinal Imaging tests during clinic time avoiding extra appointments. Paediatric Specialist Nurses assist us. Standard and innovative treatment strategies, some developed by ourselves, are offered to our patients

Prof. Stanga is Director of the Manchester Vision Regeneration (MVR) Lab at MREH/NIHR/Wellcome Trust Manchester CRF and its Retinal Clinical-Research Fellowship Program. MVR Lab is arguably one of the best-equipped facilities in the world for retinal diagnostic imaging and laser treatment.

Prof. Stanga is MREH Lead for the Retinal Laser Service, MREH and University of Manchester Laser Safety Representative, President of the Ophthalmic Imaging Association and Member of the Scientific Committee of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

Prof. Stanga has set up and directs an independent Clinical Research Fellowship Program at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and MVR Lab. The MVR Lab research team focuses on developing research and treatment stategies in Medical Retina and Vitreoretinal conditions using the most advanced diagnostic and treatment devices.

Prof. Stanga is a frequently Invited Speaker at national and international meetings representing the MREH, MVR Lab/NIHR Wellcome Trust Manchester CRF and the University of Manchester.

Prof. Stanga has received several International accolades, i.e. Outstanding Contribution to Ophthalmology (Singapore, 2006), Appreciation for Support and Far Reaching Contributions at the NGH Eye Institute (Singapore, 2008), American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award (USA, 2011), Outstanding Personality in Science – City Council (Legislatura Portena) Buenos Aires (Argentina, 2012), Significant Contributions to Retinology (Poland 2014).

Prof. Stanga can be contacted directly on Paulo.Stanga@cmft.nhs.uk

Please note that appointment related/clinical enquiries will not be replied to or dealt with from this address.

For information on Research and Clinical Trials led by Prof. Stanga, please contact:

Danielle Ridyard MA

Clinical Trial Co-ordinator – Manchester Vision Regeneration Lab at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Manchester CRF

Tel: 0161 701 7691

Email enquiries to: mvr.lab@cmft.nhs.uk