Zaid Shalchi - Eye Surgeon

27/01/2026

A new year's resolution for healthy eyes! Watch this video

As we begin a new year, many of us make resolutions to eat better, move more, or slow down. But one important area is often overlooked — our eyes.Your eyes w...

22/01/2026

A choroidal naevus is often described as an “eye freckle” because it resembles a skin freckle or mole — but it forms inside the eye, beneath the retina.

Most choroidal naevi are harmless and are often discovered during a routine eye examination. In many cases, they do not cause symptoms and remain unchanged over time.

Although they are usually benign, regular monitoring is important to ensure there are no changes. An eye assessment helps provide reassurance and allows your specialist to guide appropriate follow-up.

For appointments or enquiries:

🌐 www.zaidshalchi.co.uk

📧 [email protected]

📞 020 3953 4999

07/01/2026

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often develops gradually, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with early dry AMD remain asymptomatic, with retinal changes such as drusen identified incidentally during routine optometric examination rather than through reported visual symptoms.

𝗔𝘀 𝗔𝗠𝗗 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴:

✅Blurred or distorted central vision
✅Reduced visual acuity affecting reading and fine detail
✅Difficulty recognising faces
✅ Central scotoma or distortion (metamorphopsia)

Early recognition of these symptom patterns is essential in guiding appropriate referral, monitoring and management. Regular surveillance and timely retinal assessment remain central to optimising long-term visual outcomes, particularly as treatment options continue to evolve.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:

🌐 www.zaidshalchi.co.uk
📧 [email protected]
📞 020 3953 4999

02/01/2026

How does diabetes affect your eyes?

It’s more than just blurry vision.

Diabetes can quietly damage the delicate blood vessels in the back of the eye — causing issues like:

👁️ Diabetic retinopathy

💧 Retinal swelling (macular oedema)

☁️ Early cataract development

⚠️ Higher risk of glaucoma

The scary part? You might not notice symptoms until the damage has already started.

That’s why regular eye checks are essential — even if your vision feels fine.

📝 Read the full article to learn how to protect your sight:

zaidshalchi.co.uk/news/how-diabetes-affects-your-eyes

Learn how diabetes affects your eyes, the early signs of retinopathy, and how screening protects your vision.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a year ahead filled with clarity, good health, and peace of mind — in every sense.

Thank you to all the patients, referrers, and colleagues who’ve trusted and supported our work this past year. It’s a privilege to care for your vision and to work alongside so many dedicated professionals.

Here’s to continued collaboration and even better outcomes in the year to come.

📞 For appointments or referrals: 020 3953 4999
🌐 www.zaidshalchi.co.uk

29/12/2025

Does experience matter in cataract surgery? Absolutely.

While the majority of cataract procedures are routine and successful, complications can and do occur. In these situations, surgeon experience is critical — from early recognition of intraoperative issues to effective management and long-term stabilisation of the eye.

Equally important is prevention. Experienced surgeons develop refined techniques and judgement that help minimise risk and keep surgery uncomplicated in the first place.

I welcome referrals for routine and complex cataract surgery, including patients with co-existing retinal disease or higher surgical risk.

📞 Referrals: 020 3953 4999
🌐 https://zaidshalchi.co.uk

19/12/2025

“Do I still need eye tests after cataract surgery?”

The answer is yes — absolutely.

Even if your vision is excellent and you no longer need glasses, regular eye tests are essential to spot silent conditions like glaucoma, which often causes no symptoms until permanent vision damage has already happened.

Seeing your optician regularly can help catch problems early — before your sight is affected.

👁️ Protect your vision.
📍 Learn more at zaidshalchi.co.uk