Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist Patrick Watts honoured at prestigious St David Awards

04 April 2025

Last week at a ceremony in the Senedd, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Patrick Watts received the Public Service Award at the Welsh Government’s St David Awards, presented by First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan.

The finalists of the St David Awards are selected by an independent panel, from nominations sent in by people across Wales, and the winners are chosen by the First Minister.

The award recognised Patrick Watts, who works at the University Hospital of Wales and is an Honorary Professor at Cardiff University, for his impact on the lives of children with eye problems, having saved the sight of countless babies and children throughout his career.

For five years, he served as the Training Programme Director for Ophthalmic Training in Wales, training one-third of the consultant ophthalmologists currently practicing across the country. In a video message recorded for the award ceremony, Mr Watts said: “I look after children with eye problems, and I love teaching. It’s my passion. I enjoy imparting knowledge to improve the care we provide in ophthalmology.”

Originally from India, he found a home in Wales after migrating as a postgraduate doctor. His training took him to Yorkshire, Windsor, Wales, London, and Canada, before he settled in Wales as a consultant.

Dedicated to the profession, Mr Watts has been a tireless writer of Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines and teaching documents. He has led research into non-accidental eye injury and how doctors can look out for signs of abuse in babies.

Photo courtesy of Welsh Government