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Consultant interview - Mr Tjebo Heeren

Mr Tjebo Heeren

Mr Tjebo Heeren is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specialising in the treatment cataract and medical retina conditions at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Moorfields Private Hospital. He has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, many of were focused on macular telangiectasia type 2, a retinal condition that could result in chronic, progressive, central vision loss.

What are your areas of expertise?

I have fourteen years of experience in managing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic eye disease, as well as other retinal conditions such as retinal vein occlusions, central serous chorioretinopathy, and choroidal neovascularization. I also have a particular interest in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel).

Why do patients come to see you?

As a consultant in Moorfields, I am honoured to represent one of the most prestigious eye hospitals in the world. My patients value my clinical experience and academic standing, as well as my honest opinion and clear communication – to me a key element of successful consultations. 

Where does your interest in macular telangiectasia type 2 stem from?

I was fortunate to be invited to join the MacTel Study Group in 2011, at the start of my ophthalmology training in Bonn, Germany. This group is part of a global research collaboration. My PhD thesis made a significant contribution to understanding visual function in MacTel.

What can modern science currently offer to MacTel patients and what’s on the horizon?

Unfortunately, treatment options for MacTel remain limited, but there are some exciting developments on the horizon. A therapy was recently approved in the US that has shown very promising results in slowing disease progression. However, this treatment is not yet available in the UK. Additionally, other potential therapies are currently being investigated in clinical trials.

Are you a teaching consultant?

I am passionate about supporting ophthalmology residents at Moorfields and I train them in medical retina and cataract surgery. One of my trainees finished 600 cataract surgeries in her first two years of training! I have also given many seminars and lectures about MacTel, both nationally and internationally.

My interest in data analysis and visualisation led me to develop and teach two Moorfields Education courses: Introduction to data science for clinicians and Data science for clinicians: Intensive course in R. Both courses aim to provide junior doctors and allied health professionals with practical data tools to enhance their clinical research.