Otago Vision Specialist is a comprehensive private eye care centre that offers services such as diagnostic eye assessment, cataract surgery, eyelid surgery, intravitreal injection, ophthalmic lasers, and retinal surgery.
Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that restores clear vision by removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The operation is typically performed as a day procedure, is painless with local anaesthetic, and most patients notice an improvement in vision within days. Cataract surgery can significantly improve vision, reduce glare, and enhance quality of life, allowing many patients to return to normal activities quickly. Cataract surgery is offered in Dunedin and Queenstown.
Refractive lens exchange is a vision-correcting procedure in which the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The surgery is performed in the same way as cataract surgery, but instead of treating a cloudy lens, it is done for refractive reasons such as long-sightedness, short-sightedness, or presbyopia. It offers a permanent solution for suitable patients by improving vision clarity and range, while also preventing the future development of cataracts. RLE is available in Dunedin and Queenstown.
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Corneal cross-linking is a specialised treatment designed to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of conditions such as keratoconus. The procedure uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops combined with controlled ultraviolet light to reinforce the corneal structure. It does not typically improve vision immediately, but its primary goal is to stabilise the cornea and preserve vision long term.
Pterygium surgery removes the fleshy growth from the white of the eye to relieve irritation and protect your vision. To help prevent it from growing back, a small piece of your own healthy tissue (an autoconjunctival graft) is placed over the area and secured with fibrin glue, avoiding stitches for faster healing and greater comfort. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and a smoother recovery with an excellent long-term outcome.
Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the eyelids to improve vision and restore a more refreshed, rested appearance. For many patients, it reduces heaviness, improves comfort, and can make daily activities like reading and driving easier, with a relatively quick recovery.
Ptosis surgery corrects a drooping eyelid that may be blocking your vision or making your eyes feel heavy and tired. By tightening or repositioning the eyelid muscle, the eyelid is lifted to a more natural position, improving both sight and appearance, with most patients noticing clearer vision and a more alert look after recovery.
Vitrectomy is a delicate eye operation that removes the gel inside the eye to treat problems such as debilitating floaters, bleeding, epiretinal membrane, retinal tears, or retinal detachment. By clearing the gel and repairing the underlying issue, the surgery helps restore or protect vision, with most patients noticing gradual improvement as the eye heals.
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Intravitreal injections deliver medication directly into the eye to treat conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusion. We offer proven treatments including Avastin, Eylea, and Faricimab, which help reduce swelling, control abnormal blood vessels, and protect vision. The procedure is quick, performed with local anaesthetic, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common condition that can occur months or years after cataract surgery, when the thin membrane behind the artificial lens becomes cloudy and causes blurred or hazy vision, glare, or difficulty with reading and driving. YAG posterior capsulotomy is a quick laser procedure that creates a small opening in this cloudy membrane, allowing light to pass through clearly again and often restoring vision within minutes, with no cuts, stitches, or downtime.
Laser peripheral iridotomy is a preventive laser treatment used to reduce the risk of angle-closure glaucoma in eyes with narrow drainage angles. A tiny opening is created in the coloured part of the eye to improve fluid flow and lower eye pressure, helping to protect vision with a quick procedure and minimal recovery time.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a gentle laser treatment used to lower eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The laser improves the eye’s natural drainage system, helping fluid flow more freely and reducing the need for eye drops, with a quick procedure and minimal discomfort or recovery time.
Retinal laser treatment is used to treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and areas of weak retina that could lead to retinal detachment. The laser works by sealing leaks or strengthening the retina to prevent further damage, helping to preserve vision and reduce the risk of serious sight loss. The procedure is usually quick, performed in the clinic, and most patients return to normal activities shortly after.
Eyelid cancers are growths that develop on the skin of the eyelids and are often related to sun exposure, commonly presenting as a lump, sore, or non-healing lesion. Surgery aims to completely remove the cancer while preserving eyelid function, and reconstruction is carefully performed at the same time to restore eyelid shape, comfort, and protection of the eye. With early detection and expert reconstruction, most patients achieve excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Tear duct surgery is used to treat watery eyes caused by blockage or narrowing of the tear drainage system. Procedures such as punctuloplasty, tear duct stenting, or dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) help restore normal tear flow by opening or bypassing the blocked pathway, reducing constant tearing and irritation. These surgeries are designed to improve comfort, eye health, and quality of life with long-lasting results.
Prescription glasses or contact lenses
Strabismus management
Dry eye therapy (IPL/LLLT / Blephasteam)