A member of staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has been named as one of the world’s most influential ophthalmologists – and he has dedicated the honour to the staff, trainees and patients he works with.
David Lockington, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Tennent Institute, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, received the honour from The Ophthalmologist magazine last month.
The magazine’s Top 100 Power List, now in its 11th year, highlights the exceptional achievements of the most influential and inspirational figures in the field, and David’s inclusion in the list – which is nominated by peers and selected by a highly regarded international judging panel – came as a huge surprise.
He said: “I was at home when I got the email saying I had been named on the list. My first response was to laugh – and then think, why me?”
He added: “I’m immensely grateful for this peer recognition, but all achievements are based on teamwork, and so I would like to dedicate this award to our entire ophthalmology department in Glasgow for all they do for the benefit of our eye patients on a daily basis.”
David has been an ophthalmologist since 2005 after qualifying in medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast, in 2003, and moving to Glasgow in 2007.
After a brief spell in New Zealand 2012-2013, he returned to NHSGGC in 2013 as a consultant ophthalmologist, determined to provide high quality care to his cataract and corneal patients, and also to passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of ophthalmologists.
David, who lives in Bearsden with his wife and two teenage children, has a very simple formula for the job that he does, and what success in his role looks like.
He said: “I want to be the best I can be, and give my best to my patients every day – that’s ultimately why I’m here, and any recognition for my ophthalmic roles can only be for our patients’ benefit.
“Glasgow is the largest training centre for ophthalmology in Scotland, and as a teacher and mentor – setting a positive example to trainees and through developing simulation, research and training opportunities that will allow them to not just survive but thrive – that’s where my true satisfaction lies.”
He added: “The historic Tennent Institute name means a lot, not just in Scotland but globally, and I feel a duty to preserve and enhance that reputation through my various academic and international speaking engagements.
“If this award helps with that, then I am particularly humbled, and grateful, to receive it.”
Alongside his clinical roles with NHSGGC and at the Nuffield Glasgow Hospital, David is National Simulation Lead for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, editor for Eye News magazine and is the President-elect for UKISCRS (UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons), in what is the 75th year celebrating the invention of the first intra-ocular lens for cataract surgery.
Dr Deepak Tejwani, Clinical Director for Ophthalmology at NHSGGC, said: “I would like to congratulate David for receiving this accolade. His commitment to his patients, his trainees and his profession is of huge benefit, not only to our patients, but also to ophthalmology within NHSGGC and across Scotland.
“I would like to thank him for his hard work and professionalism, and for his work to preserve and enhance the reputation of the Tennent Institute and NHSGGC.”