Southern DHB Ophthalmology - Southland

Public Service, Ophthalmology

Description

Ophthalmology (Eye Department) focuses on the health of eyes and surrounding tissues, including muscles, bones and eyelids. Common eye conditions are:

Cataracts
Squints
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinal Detachment
Age Related Macular Degeneration.

You will be seen at our Outpatients Department by an Eye Consultant or Nurse Specialist following referral to the hospital by your GP or Optometrist.

As part of the examination you may have drops in your eyes. The drops may cause blurred vision and light sensitivity.

You will need to arrange transport home as you may be unable to drive for at least 4-6 hours.

Ophthalmologists are doctors who are trained in the study of eyes. Most will be trained in eye surgery, and may have particular areas of interest or expertise.

Optometrists are not doctors but are trained in testing your vision to assess your need for glasses or contact lenses. Some also test for glaucoma.

Consultants

Dr Nicholas Johnston

Ophthalmologist
Dr Mark Rudel

Ophthalmologist
Dr Saghir Sadiq

Ophthalmologist

Procedures / Treatments

Refractive Error: short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism

These conditions cause distance blur. In myopia, the eye has a resting focus at a near distance so that people will be able to see objects clearly at some point close to them, whilst the distance is blurry.… More
Cataracts

Cataracts are the most common age-related occurrence in eyes. The lens becomes thicker and stiffer and appears yellow and cloudy.… More
Squints (strabismus)

A weakness in one or more of the muscles of the eye will cause the eye to turn or move away from the normal focusing position. This is commonly known as a squint.… More
Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and may result in vision loss and blindness. Multiple factors are often important in causing glaucoma, but it is most commonly related to in an increase in pressure in the eye.… More
Diabetic Retinopathy

This is a complication of diabetes and is caused by small blood vessel damage within the retina of the eye. It commonly affects both eyes and may cause permanent loss of vision. Macular oedema is sometimes also present with diabetic retinopathy. Macular oedema is when fluid leaks into the retina… More
Retinal Detachment

This is when the retina detaches, meaning it is lifted or separated from its normal position within the eye. An acute retinal detachment requires urgent assessment and appropriate treatment.… More