Mr Derek Ho
Consultant Ophthalmologist
MA(Cantab) MBBS FRCOphth FEBO
I am a board-certified ophthalmologist with 10 years of experience, specializing in cataract surgery and corneal diseases. As a Fellow of both the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the European Board of Ophthalmology, I also hold a specialist certification in laser and refractive surgery.
I specialise in both routine and complex cataract surgery, as well as conjunctival and corneal procedures, including corneal transplants. To date I have performed over 1,200 cataract extraction operations.
In my practice, I perform cataract surgery using both topical anaesthetic eye drops and local anaesthetic injections, allowing patients to choose the option that best suits their needs.
After completing my ophthalmology training, I pursued two additional years of advanced fellowships in cornea and anterior segment surgery at Bristol Eye Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital, further refining my expertise in surgical techniques and patient care.
Currently, I serve as the Consultant Lead for Cataract Services at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, where I oversee patient care and surgical advancements. Beyond my clinical role, I am a dedicated educator, training and mentoring future eye surgeons as a Surgical Skills Faculty Trainer at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
I am deeply committed to holistic eye care and have dedicated over a decade to clinical and experimental ophthalmic research. My work has led to more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized with multiple national and international awards. I frequently present my research at leading conferences worldwide.
Treatment information
Some of the principal treatments carried out by Mr Derek Ho at Spire include:
Ophthalmology
- Cataract removal surgery
- Eyelid cyst surgery
- Laser eye treatment (yag laser capsulotomy)
Other treatments
- Alcohol delamination
- Chalzion (inner eye) removal
- Corneal cross-linking for keratonconus
- Conjunctival surgery
- Corneal transplant
- Pterygium excision
Get in touch
Important information about COVID-19 tests
COVID-19 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service at Spire Cardiff Hospital.
Additional information
Clinical interests
Corneal and external eye disease
Ophthalmology
Refractive surgery
Qualification and professional memberships
BA(Hons) / University of Cambridge / 2010
Bachelor of Arts (Medicine)
MBBS / Imperial College London / 2013
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
FRCOphth / Royal College of Ophthalmologists / 2019
Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
CertLRS / Royal College of Ophthalmologists / 2023
Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery
FEBO / European Board of Ophthalmology / 2024
Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology
Professional memberships
Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth)
United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (UKISCRS)
European Society of Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Specialists (EuCornea)
British Medical Association (BMA)
Professional leadership
I am the Consultant Lead in Cataract Service in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
Current NHS posts
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Personal profile
In my spare time, I love exploring the outdoors with my wife and our two young children, often hiking in the scenic Brecon Beacons. I also have a passion for travelling and discovering new cultures.
Financial interests
Contact information
| Telephone | 02920 735515 |
| Private secretary | Please call Spire Cardiff Hospital |