Whipps Cross University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust
Dr. Johnson Yan Ning Neo, MBChB, PGCert (MedEd), FRCOphth (UK), FHEA (UK), FEBO (Europe), CertLRS (UK) is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specialising in corneal surgery, complex ocular surface disease, and advanced endothelial keratoplasty. He works at Whipps Cross University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, where he serves as Clinical Lead for Organ Donation and has been instrumental in developing and delivering high-volume corneal and cataract services. He performed the first DMEK procedures within his trust and has extensive experience in both DMEK and DSAEK, including complex cases, re-bubble management, and anterior segment reconstruction.
Johnson completed his prestigious fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital, where he trained across the full spectrum of corneal transplantation – from PK and DALK to DMEK/DSAEK, SLET and other limbal stem cell techniques. His surgical logbook includes over 400 corneal grafts, thousands cataract surgeries, and broad experience in refractive procedures including LASIK, PRK, SMILE, premium IOLs and ICLs.
His clinical interests centre on endothelial disorders, persistent epithelial defects, ocular surface inflammation, and innovative approaches to managing complex corneal pathology. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed publications spanning corneal surgery, ocular surface disease, cataract surgery and ophthalmic innovation, with his work appearing in leading journals such as Cornea, Eye, JCRS, EClinicalMedicine and BMJ Case Reports. His research has contributed to advancements in endothelial keratoplasty techniques, immunological disorders of the ocular surface, AI-driven ophthalmic triage and large-scale epidemiological studies, reinforcing his reputation as both a surgeon and an academic committed to evidence-based progress in anterior segment care.
He is also the recipient of numerous international awards for clinical excellence, research and innovation, including multiple prizes from ESCRS, SICSSO, the Royal Society of Medicine and other major ophthalmic organisations, reflecting his long-standing commitment to advancing corneal and anterior segment surgery.
As an active international educator, Mr Neo is a instructor for endothelial keratoplasty training, including DMEK instructional courses and sutured keratoplasty wet labs across Europe. He frequently lectures on corneal scarring, innovations in endothelial keratoplasty, management of chemical injuries, and ocular surface optimisation before cataract and refractive surgery.
He is also committed to surgical excellence and patient-centred care, which has earned him multiple prizes in leadership, teaching, and innovation. His ongoing mission is to advance modern corneal surgery techniques while training the next generation of anterior segment specialists.