AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST specialising in diabetic eye disease spoke of her “shock” after hearing she clinched a national award.

Professor Sobha Sivaprasad was selected by the Macular Society in the “rising star of the year” category for her commitment to finding new forms of treating diabetic retinopathy and other retinal diseases.

The professor, originally from India, expressed “delight” at what she considered a “surprise” nomination.

She said: “It was a bit of a shock when I heard that I’d won – I’ve been nominated as part of a team before, but never for one of the individual prizes, so I’m absolutely delighted to have been chosen.”

Finding new ways to make a difference to people’s lives is “very exciting”, the professor said.

She added: “I’d like to thank all of my funders, as they make all my work possible. I could not carry out any of the research I undertake without them and I’m tremendously grateful for their ongoing support.”

Sobha will receive the award at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London, on Saturday, September 16.