Vitreoretinal Surgery

Vitreoretinal surgery addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the retina and vitreous, including both common and complex disorders that can significantly impact vision.

Mr Sabatino provides specialist care for conditions such as retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction, diabetic retinal disease and vitreous haemorrhage.

Treatment is tailored to the specific condition and individual characteristics of each eye, with careful consideration of both anatomical and visual outcomes.

Why choosing Mr Sabatino for Vitreoretinal Surgery?

Mr Sabatino is as Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, a tertiary referral service managing the full spectrum of retinal disease, from routine procedures to highly complex surgical cases.

He has undertaken extensive subspecialist training through three dedicated vitreoretinal fellowships at internationally recognised centres (the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle), Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London), before being appointed as a consultant. This breadth of training across leading UK institutions is uncommon and reflects a sustained commitment to advanced surgical expertise.

In addition to performing high-volume vitreoretinal surgery, he specialises in the management of complex retinal conditions and complications of previous surgery.

Many patients are referred by other ophthalmic surgeons to Mr Sabatino for expert management of challenging conditions, reflecting established trust and experience in complex and high-risk surgical cases, including complications of previous procedures and advanced reconstructive techniques.

His audited outcomes for macular hole surgery demonstrate a 100% anatomical closure rate, including large and long-standing cases, using short-acting gas with posturing required only until the end of the day, allowing for a more comfortable recovery.

For retinal detachment surgery, his outcomes are consistently above national benchmark standards.

Each patient undergoes a careful assessment and detailed discussion of the available options, allowing a personalised surgical plan tailored to their individual condition and visual needs.

Macular Hole

A macular hole is a small defect in the centre of the retina (the macula) that can cause blurred or distorted central vision.

Surgical repair involves removing the vitreous gel and performing delicate membrane techniques that allow the hole to close and the retina to heal.

Mr Sabatino’s audited outcomes demonstrate a 100% anatomical closure rate for macular hole surgery, including large and long-standing cases.

Epiretinal membrane

An epiretinal membrane (ERM), sometimes referred to as a macular pucker, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms on the surface of the retina, particularly over the macula. This can cause distortion, blurred central vision, or difficulty with fine visual tasks such as reading. In symptomatic cases, treatment involves vitrectomy with membrane peeling to remove the scar tissue and restore the normal contour of the retina, often leading to improvement in visual quality.

Floaters

Floaters — caused by opacities, strands or debris within the vitreous gel — cast shadows on the retina and can be visually disabling. When floaters are significantly affecting quality of life, Mr Sabatino offers vitrectomy to remove the vitreous gel and eliminate the floaters entirely

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic eye disease can affect the retina and lead to bleeding inside the eye or the formation of scar tissue that pulls on the retina.

Mr Sabatino offers vitrectomy to remove haemorrhage, relieve traction and stabilise the retina.

In selected cases, early vitrectomy may be recommended to clear persistent bleeding, address traction on the retina and reduce the risk of further vision loss.

Vitreomacular traction

Vitreomacular traction (VMT) occurs when the vitreous gel does not separate cleanly from the macula and instead exerts traction on the retinal surface. This can lead to visual distortion, reduced central vision, and in some cases progression to macular hole. When symptoms are significant or progressive, vitrectomy surgery is performed to release the traction and restore the normal anatomy of the macula.