Mr Richard Blanch

Mr. Richard Blanch is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in neuro-ophthalmology, which includes managing diseases of the optic nerve, eye movements, and brain disorders affecting vision, as well as performing cataract surgery.

He completed his medical degree with honours in Glasgow, followed by a PhD in Birmingham. His Ophthalmology training took place in the West Midlands, where he won the Harcourt Medal for achieving the highest annual mark in the Royal College of Ophthalmologists fellowship examination. He then undertook advanced fellowship training in neuro-ophthalmology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

In 2018, Mr. Blanch was appointed as a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham, where he serves as the clinical lead for neuro-ophthalmology, managing the largest neuro-ophthalmology department in Europe. From 2018 to 2023, he ran the neuro-ophthalmology fellowship program, providing advanced training to future specialists. He also holds the role of Defence Consultant Advisor for Ophthalmology to the UK Defence Medical Services, is an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham, and a Visiting Researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA.

A clinician-scientist, Mr. Blanch focuses on both clinical and basic science research, exploring retinal cell death mechanisms, the retinal manifestations of systemic diseases and traumatic brain injuries, as well as ocular trauma management. His research has received funding from numerous prestigious organisations, including the Ministry of Defence, the United States Department of Defense, Blind Veterans UK, Academy of Medical Sciences, Fight for Sight UK, the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Wellcome Trust, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles, contributed to five book chapters, and holds two patents.

Throughout his career, Mr. Blanch has received significant accolades, including the Ancient Order of St. Lucia from the Society of Military Ophthalmology in 2020, recognition as one of the top five consultants for patient compliments at University Hospitals Birmingham in 2022, and the La Piana-Mazzoli Award from the American Society of Ocular Trauma in 2023, acknowledging his contributions to military ophthalmic traumatology. His leadership roles have included chairing the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Members in Training Committee from 2020 to 2022 and serving on the International Committee of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Additionally, he was Section Editor for neuro-ophthalmology and trauma for Eye, the journal of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, from 2017 to 2021.