What is a Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are medical specialists equiped to provide the full spectrum of eye care including medical treatments and complex surgery.
Ophthalmologists in Australia and New Zealand undergo extensive training, with a minimum of 12 years of education and practical experience. This includes 6-7 years in medical school, 2 years of basic medical training, and 5 years of specialized ophthalmic training, which involves up to 12,000 hours of hands-on experience, including surgery. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) oversees this training, setting rigorous examinations to ensure high standards.
Many ophthalmologists are also actively engaged in scientific research to advance understanding and treatment of eye diseases. Upon completing the Vocational Training Program (VTP) by RANZCO, ophthalmologists are prepared for unsupervised practice, contributing to the field's ongoing development.
You can read RANZCO’s description of an Ophthalmologist as well as information on finding a specialist in the links below.
Conditions we diagnose and manage
OPHTHALMOLOGY CONDITIONS WE SEE MOST FREQUENTLY
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Commonly known as hooded eyes, it refers to the excess, sagging skin of the upper eyelid that can obstruct vision. This condition is often associated with aging and can cause discomfort, as well as impacting both the aesthetic appearance of the eyes and peripheral vision. Blepharoplasty is a short surgical procedure (1-2 hrs) that aims at removing the excess skin (and possibly muscle and fatty tissue) around the eyes to provide a more youthful appearance, and importantly improve field of vision.
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Eyelid malposition commonly refers to either Entropion or Ectropion and result from age-related changes to the eyelid tissues, scarring (from sun-related changes or previous eye surgeries or injuries), and muscle weakness around the eye.
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye surface. This can lead to irritation, discomfort, and potential damage to the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) resulting in loss of vision. Ectropion, conversely, is the outward turning of the lower eyelid, causing sagginess. This can lead to increased exposure of the eyeball to the elements, such as wind, sun, and dust, which in turn irritate the surface of the eyeball. Surface irritation manifests as red/inflamed/ watery eyes that lead to discomfort and reduced vision.
Both conditions may require a short surgical procedure (1-2 hrs) that re-tighten eyelid attachments around the eye, returning the eyelid to a more natural position.
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Periocular skin cancers, refer to malignancies that develop in the skin surrounding the eyes. These cancers can arise from sun-damaged skin cells and may involve structures like the eyelids, eyebrows, and the skin around the eyes. These cancers may either be locally destructive (eyelids), spread to adjacent areas (eyeball or eye socket), or metastasise by spreading to distant organs and tissue. This can arise from isolated or combination of risk factors which include prolonged sun exposure; age; genetics or weakened immune system. Treatment depends on the subtype of cancer and in some select cases, may involve topical creams for superficial lesions. Definitive management includes Surgical Excision (removal of the cancerous lesion with a safety margin to ensure complete removal) followed by Reconstruction (depending on the extent, reconstructive surgery may be required to restore eyelid function and aesthetics). Smaller lesions may be able to be closed by a few stitches, whilst larger lesions may involve more complex reconstruction using a combination of skin grafts and facial flaps.
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A pterygium is a growth that occurs on the eyeball surface, precipitated by sun exposure. The thickened tissue, which is benign in nature, grows from the whites of the eye (conjunctiva) onto the clear part of the eye (cornea), causing symptoms such as eye redness, irritation, pain and reduced vision (if its growth starts significantly affecting the cornea). Some pterygiums may be monitored and treated with local lubricating eye drops. Larger pterygiums typically requiring a short surgical procedure involving excision of the pterygium, followed by covering of the residual defect with a small conjunctival graft obtained from an area under the eyelid.
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Occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. Dry eyes can be a chronic and progressive condition with periods of relief and exacerbation, but with proper management, most individuals can find relief. There are several causes and can be due to age, environmental factors (wind, smoke, dry climate), prolonged screen time/reading, certain medications, and medical conditions. Symptoms can include stinging or burning sensation, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and watery eyes. Treatment can include a combination of artificial tears, lifestyle modifications, prescription medications and eyelid hygiene.
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There are many reasons for a watery eye. DCR is a surgical procedure used to treat tear overflow/watery eye, when this is specifically due to obstruction of the tear drainage system (Nasolacrimal System). Patency is usually assessed by injecting fluid into the ducts and assessing how easily tears drain into the nose (its natural drainage site). If there is a true obstruction, then surgery helps create a larger, alternate pathway to ensure appropriate drainage of tears. The surgery usually involves making a small skin incision and removing a small portion of bone, to gain access to both the tear sac and the nose. The tear sac is then opened, and a new opening is created directly into the nose. A silicone tube is placed for a few months to maintain patency and removed once healing around the tube takes place, leaving a newly opened drainage pathway.