Breakthrough in glaucoma treatment launched at NNUH
Patients living with severe glaucoma can now benefit from a pioneering surgical procedure newly introduced at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).
This month, Mr Shaheryar (Sherry) Khan, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Surgeon, successfully performed the hospital’s first two cases of PAUL Glaucoma Implant (PGI) procedure — a major milestone for the department and service.
The PAUL Glaucoma Implant is an advanced form of tube shunt surgery designed for patients with severe, advanced, or treatment-resistant glaucoma. Until now, this innovative implant was only available at a few specialist eye hospitals across the UK.
Mr Khan completed his Ophthalmology training in the East of England and went on to specialise in glaucoma at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London before joining NNUH as a consultant in August 2025.
Mr Khan said: “During my fellowship at Moorfields, I was trained to perform advanced glaucoma tube shunt surgeries for complex and severe cases. I’m very humbled to bring this expertise back to Norfolk and Norwich and to introduce the PAUL Glaucoma Implant to our patients. It’s a significant breakthrough for our service and fantastic news for our patients. By offering this procedure, we are now on par with major centres across the country. This surgery fills an important gap in our glaucoma care, so it’s something for all of us to celebrate.”
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye caused by impaired fluid drainage. If left untreated this pressure can lead to irreversible vision loss or blindness. Because glaucoma often develops slowly and without early symptoms, regular eye examinations are vital for early detection and management.
The PAUL Glaucoma Implant (PGI) helps control eye pressure by providing a new drainage pathway for the fluid inside the eye. It is designed to offer long-term pressure control, typically lasting up to 10 years, helping to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Mr Khan added: “The PAUL tube shunt has been shown to have fewer complications and higher success rates compared with older types of implants. Patients who undergo this procedure experience lower eye pressures and often require fewer glaucoma medications in the long term. It’s wonderful that we can now offer this state-of-the-art treatment to our patients here in Norfolk.”
It is anticipated that around 25–30 patients each year will benefit from this new procedure at NNUH.
Yves Vandecasteele, 57, from Wymondham was the first patient to have the procedure at NNUH. He developed Glaucoma after being diagnosed with uveitis. He said: “I managed with steroid drops and tablets for a while, but these heightened the pressure in my eye. This surgery was really the only option left for me and overall, I’m pleased. The pressure levels have dropped significantly and I haven’t experienced any pain. I’m very grateful this was an option for me.”
Linda Howard, 72, from Suffolk, was diagnosed with glaucoma in her 50s and had the procedure at NNUH. She said: “I’ve taken medication for several years and had selective laser therapy which had left my eyes very sore. I couldn’t have any more of that therapy and Mr Khan said this was the best option for me. I only have 30% vision in my right eye, so it really was a last-ditch attempt to save it. I’ve experienced very little pain and the pressure is already lower than it was when I saw Mr Khan in clinic in September. I’m really pleased with how it’s gone and I’m extremely grateful that Mr Khan has brought this amazing surgery to the hospital.”