Rob’s London to Amsterdam cycling fundraiser
17 February 2026
Rob was diagnosed with CRVO, an incurable eye condition, in 2024. After receiving several treatments, he has decided to give back to Moorfields by taking on a 150 mile cycle from London to Amsterdam with his peers, who also work in financial services.
In late 2024, Rob returned from a short business trip in Hong Kong and noticed blurriness in his left eye.
A few days later he went to the local optician for a routine check-up which took an unexpected turn. The optician found a large amount of fluid in his macula which could potentially be very serious. The optician asked him to visit Moorfields A&E the same day.
Her words stopped me in my tracks. I didn’t know how to react. I was very scared and in complete shock.
Rob, Moorfields patient and fundraiser
Diagnosis at Moorfields
Rob’s wife took him to Moorfields Eye Hospital where he was seen immediately. After a few tests, he was diagnosed with CRVO with macular oedema.
What is CRVO?
Learn more
CRVO stands for central retinal vein occlusion.
It occurs when the main vein draining blood from the retina becomes blocked, often by a blood clot. This can cause fluid to leak into the retina causing swelling (macular oedema) leading to blurred vision and sometimes vision loss.
I had never heard of this and assumed it would simply be treated, and everything would return to normal. When they told me it was incurable, I couldn’t comprehend it.
Rob, Moorfields patient and fundraiser
He was fast-tracked to have an appointment with a consultant in two weeks, however his vision got significantly worse in only a couple of days. He returned to Moorfields and they confirmed that his sight was deteriorating rapidly. Treatment was started immediately.
Despite extensive tests to identify what caused his eye condition by his GP, no underlying heath conditions were found. However, he had high blood pressure when he was first admitted to Moorfields, and it has been attributed to that.
Treatment at Moorfields
Still to this day, Rob has regular Eylea injections. He started receiving them in four weeks intervals, however by December 2025, his sight improved and only needed the injections in eleven weeks intervals.
When I first heard the phrase “eye injection,” it was terrifying — especially as I’m needle phobic — but the doctors and nurses at Moorfields were incredibly caring and reassuring.
Rob, Moorfields patient and fundraiser
Unfortunately, the fluid has built up in his eye again and he will need to resume injections in more frequent intervals. He will continue to receive these until his eye remains stable for a sustained period of time.
Every single person at Moorfields has shown exceptional care during an incredibly stressful time. The nurses and doctors have been compassionate and reassuring throughout, and I also learned that the treatment I’m receiving has only existed for a few years.
Rob, Moorfields patient and fundraiser
Rob has also undergone pan retinal photocoagulation laser treatment to reduce the chance of new blood vessels growing and to preserve the vision he still has. He found that procedure relatively painless, but it affected his peripheral vision. This has made it harder for him to navigate crowded spaces without bumping into people which is challenging as a commuter.
Living with CRVO
Living with CRVO has presented Rob with many challenges.
The condition has affected every aspect of my life.
Rob, Moorfields patient and fundraiser
When he first started experiencing symptoms, he found everyday tasks difficult as his perception was off and he would bump into objects. However, over time his better eye adapted and he could move around without bumping into things. He also relies on glasses to read.
It also impacted his wife and son, as he would sometimes feel frustrated and anxious about his condition reoccurring in the same eye or affecting his good eye.
Rob works in financial services and his workplace has supported him by making ergonomic adjustments to the lighting on his desk.
Fundraising for Moorfields Eye Charity
Rob has decided to give back to Moorfields by taking part in a fundraising bike ride from London to the TradeTech 2026 conference in Amsterdam alongside his peers from the finance industry. The ride will take two days covering 150 miles!
Some of the his peers are experienced riders, while others like him, have not ridden for several years. However all are willing to take on the challenge to fundraise for two charities including Moorfields Eye Charity!
He shared that his workplace, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited generously supported and kick-started the fundraiser.
Without the world leading research done at Moorfields, my situation could be much worse. Fundraising felt like a way to give something back — to support the research teams so that future advances might help others, or perhaps one day even help with my own condition.
Rob, Moorfields patient and fundraiser
