Professor Tunde Peto

Clinical Chair of Ophthalmology, Queen’s University Belfast

Clinical Lead, Northern Ireland Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

With a career spanning over two decades in ophthalmic medicine and public health, Professor Tunde Peto is a globally recognised leader in diabetic retinopathy, ophthalmic imaging, and clinical implementation science. As a practising consultant and academic at Queen’s University Belfast, Tunde has played a pivotal role in shaping national and international eye screening programmes, including the UK’s and Northern Ireland’s diabetic retinopathy initiatives.

Tunde brings to RetInnovate a deep understanding of the clinical realities that therapies must navigate to succeed — from patient variability and protocol feasibility to regulatory expectations and imaging endpoints. Her work leading the Belfast Ophthalmic Reading Centre and directing multicentre clinical trials provides critical insight into how early innovation aligns—or fails to align—with real-world execution.

A passionate advocate for global eye health, she has supported screening and capacity-building efforts in Europe, Asia, and beyond, including as clinical lead for UK–Philippines REACH-DR. She also serves as President of the European Association for the Study of Diabetic Eye Complications (EASDec), reinforcing her position at the interface of research, policy, and care delivery.

At RetInnovate, Tunde’s clinical insight anchors the translational perspective—helping innovators see beyond discovery and shape therapies that are trial-ready, patient-centred, and grounded in the nuances of clinical practice. Her presence ensures the voice of the clinician is heard early, consistently, and constructively in the innovation process.