Daniel Cardoso

Daniel Cardoso, MD, is a physician completing specialty training in ophthalmology at ULS Gaia/Espinho. He evaluates vision changes and eye conditions, performs ophthalmic examinations, and develops an appropriate plan for further testing, treatment, and follow-up.

His professional interests include retina and vitreous disease, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, uveitis, cataract, and corneal disease. Dr. Cardoso has clinical and surgical experience in ophthalmology and is actively involved in scientific research and international clinical trials.

He sees patients at UMC in Lisbon in Portuguese and English

When to See an Eye Doctor

• reduced visual acuity or blurred vision;
• difficulty reading, using a computer, or driving;
• possible nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism;
• eye redness, itching, irritation, tearing, or discharge;
• pain in or around the eye;
• a foreign-body sensation or dry eye symptoms;
• new floaters or flashes of light;
• distorted lines, a missing area of vision, or reduced central vision;
• elevated intraocular pressure or a family history of glaucoma;
• cataract or suspected clouding of the lens;
• diabetes requiring retinal monitoring;
• optic nerve disease or vision symptoms associated with a neurologic condition;
• a routine preventive eye examination.

Conditions Evaluated

• myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism;
• conjunctivitis and other inflammatory or infectious eye conditions;
• dry eye disease;
• cataracts;
• glaucoma and ocular hypertension;
• diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema;
• age-related macular degeneration;
• retinal and vitreous disorders;
• uveitis;
• corneal disease;
• optic neuropathies and other neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Dr. Cardoso reviews your symptoms and ophthalmic and general medical history, evaluates visual acuity, and performs an appropriate eye examination. Depending on the clinical indication, the visit may include diagnostic methods available at the clinic. You will receive an assessment and recommendations for treatment or monitoring, with additional testing or a surgical referral when appropriate.

The extent of testing depends on your symptoms and clinical findings. Not every test or procedure is included in the standard consultation fee; availability and separate charges should be confirmed when booking.

Education and Specialty Training

• Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 2016–2022;
• general medical internship, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, 2023;
• ophthalmology specialty residency, ULS Gaia/Espinho, 2024–present;
• Doctoral Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 2026–present.

Clinical and Surgical Experience

During specialty training, Dr. Cardoso has gained experience in the diagnosis and management of anterior and posterior segment disease. His work includes corneal and amniotic membrane care, retina, glaucoma, uveitis, and neuro-ophthalmology.

According to his 2026 CV, his surgical experience includes more than 2,200 procedures, including more than 560 interventions as primary surgeon; injections and laser procedures are excluded from that total. These figures describe his cumulative hospital training experience and do not indicate that surgery is performed at UMC.

Research and Academic Work

Dr. Cardoso has published research on optic nerve disorders, retinal disease, diabetic macular edema, and glaucoma. His medical thesis focused on the diagnosis of optic neuropathies in the emergency department. He has authored and coauthored articles in international and Portuguese scientific journals and has participated in international clinical trials involving retinal therapy and Sjögren’s disease.

He is a member of the Portuguese Medical Association, the Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology, the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA), and the European Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (EUNOS).

Languages

• Portuguese — native;
• English — C2 proficiency.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, chemical exposure, penetrating injury, a curtain-like shadow over the visual field, or a sudden burst of flashes and floaters may require emergency assessment. Seek urgent ophthalmic care immediately or call 112.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I see Dr. Cardoso for a routine vision assessment?

Yes. He provides ophthalmic consultations and evaluates reduced or changing vision. The need for additional diagnostic tests is determined during the appointment.

2. Does Dr. Cardoso evaluate retinal and optic nerve disorders?

Yes. Retinal disease and neuro-ophthalmology are among his clinical and research interests.

3. Can additional eye tests be performed at the clinic?

UMC has ophthalmic equipment for vision assessment and detailed eye disease diagnostics. The specific tests depend on clinical indications; availability and separate fees should be confirmed when booking.

4. Does Dr. Cardoso perform surgery at UMC?

His CV documents substantial surgical experience in a hospital ophthalmology setting. The UMC profile is focused on outpatient consultation and diagnostics; the location and arrangements for surgical care are determined separately.

5. Which languages does Dr. Cardoso speak?

He provides consultations in Portuguese and English.