Auckland Eye

16/11/2025

What makes an ophthalmologist so special?

As our CEO Gordon Armstrong puts it, an ophthalmologist is a highly trained medical professional dedicated to caring for the windows to our world, our eyes.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor with specialist training in diagnosing and managing disorders of the eye and visual system. Unlike optometrists, ophthalmologists can treat conditions both medically and surgically.

With this extensive training, ophthalmologists are true medical specialists, like cardiologists, anaesthetists, gastroenterologists, or gynaecologists, but for your eyes. Ophthalmologists diagnose eye disorders, and manage them with medical and surgical treatment and regular monitoring. They often lead a team of eye care professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

If you notice changes in your vision, eye pain, or other eye concerns, consulting an ophthalmologist ensures the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

🔹Call 0800 25 53 93
🔹Book online via our website

🔹Learn more here https://www.aucklandeye.co.nz/about-us/

14/11/2025

Having an operation on your eyes can sound daunting, but modern ophthalmology has made eye surgery safer, quicker, and more effective than ever before. These procedures are designed to restore vision, relieve discomfort, and treat conditions that, if left unmanaged, could threaten sight. For many people, an eye operation is life-changing, giving them the freedom to see clearly and live more confidently.

Read about each of these most common types of operations for eyes on our blog!

https://www.aucklandeye.co.nz/blog/your-guide-to-common-operations-for-eyes/

12/11/2025

While hours in front of screens won’t permanently damage your vision or cause myopia, prolonged use can lead to eye strain, soreness, dryness, intermittent blurriness, headaches or sensitivity to light.

What you can do at home:

• Take regular breaks, blink often, and look into the distance.
• Keep your screen at an arm’s length, and maintain soft, even lighting to
reduce glare.
• Try to balance screen time with being outdoors. Natural light plays a major role
in eye health.

🔹Learn more here https://www.aucklandeye.co.nz/blog/will-too-much-screen-time-damage-my-eyesight/ 🔹

09/11/2025

Genetic eye conditions can affect vision at any age and often run in families. Conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, congenital cataracts, and glaucoma are influenced by inherited genes.

Early detection is important, as many hereditary eye diseases can lead to vision loss if not managed promptly.

Dr Sarah Hull is the only ophthalmologist in New Zealand with a PhD in genetics. She specialises in genetic retinopathy and adult strabismus, helping families understand their risks and access advanced diagnostics and treatments. Some health insurance providers may cover genetics consultations.

🔹Learn more here https://www.aucklandeye.co.nz/eye-conditions/genetics/ 🔹

Explore the role of genetics in eye diseases, from congenital conditions to retinitis pigmentosa. Learn about diagnosis, family risks, and potential treatments.

07/11/2025

Who should you see first: an optometrist, GP or ophthalmologist?

Optometrist 👁️ Your first stop for most vision concerns. They perform eye tests, fit glasses or contact lenses, and can detect many eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. If something more serious is found, they’ll refer you to a specialist.

Ophthalmologist 👁️ A medical doctor with 12+ years of specialist training. They diagnose, treat, and perform surgery for complex conditions such as cataracts and retinal disease. Ophthalmologists often work closely with optometrists to ensure the best long-term outcomes for your vision.

General Practitioner (GP) 👁️ Your GP manages your overall health and can assess common eye issues such as infections, redness, or irritation. They can refer you to the right eye specialist if needed.

If you notice sudden changes in your vision, pain, or other acute symptoms, you can contact Auckland Eye directly on 0800 25 53 93, as we accept urgent and acute cases without a referral.

Auckland Eye is the leading eye care specialist, with world class surgeons and ophthalmologists for your lasik, cataract and dry eye needs.

05/11/2025

Guy Fawkes is a time for fun, but it’s important to keep your eyes safe.
Follow these key precautions:

• Wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks.
• Place used sparklers in a bucket of cold water.
• Choose public over private displays and read all instructions carefully.
• Ensure fireworks meet safety standards and store them in a closed metal box.
• Light one firework at a time and never relight one that hasn’t gone off.
• Keep everyone at a safe distance and remove debris or flammable objects from the display area.

Following these tips can help you enjoy the celebrations while protecting your vision.

30/10/2025

RANZCO's Māori and Pacific People's Eye Health Committee ran their third annual mentoring day for Māori and Pacific medical students and junior doctors interested in a career in ophthalmology, aiming to address the significant underrepresentation in the profession.

Thank you to the Australian and New Zealand Eye Foundation for their support in making this event possible and helping to shape the next generation of eye health leaders! 🎉

29/10/2025

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye is common in babies and children and can cause redness, discharge, swelling, and irritation.

Care at Home
• Gently clean discharge with a cotton ball soaked in warm water (use a fresh one for each eye).
• Place a clean, cold cloth over the eyes to reduce swelling.
• Wash hands well, avoid sharing towels or pillowcases, and discourage eye rubbing.

When to See a Doctor
• Seek medical advice if your baby is under six weeks old, has severe pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, fever, or worsening symptoms.

If you are unsure, book an appointment with your GP.

🔹Learn more here https://www.plunket.org.nz/child-health-concerns-and-symptoms/ears-and-eyes/conjunctivitis/ 🔹

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a common condition in children. Learn about the symptoms, how to treat it and when to visit a doctor.

26/10/2025

This month in Vision Vocabulary, we’re exploring ‘Asthenopia’, the medical term for eye strain, which can cause discomfort, headaches, and blurred vision after prolonged close work or screen time.

23/10/2025

Get into the Halloween spirit with these fun and spooky gummy eyes! 👁️

Ingredients:
400 ml coconut milk (one can)
100 ml water
75 ml cranberry juice or any juice
6 gelatine sheets or 4 tsp powder gelatine or 3 tsp agar
4 blueberries or dark chocolate balls
1 tbsp sugar

🔹Step 1: Soften 1 gelatine sheet in water, then stir into simmering cranberry juice (or use ½ tsp powdered gelatine). For agar, add ½ tsp directly to cold juice, then simmer for a few minutes.

🔹Step 2: Add just under 1 tbsp of juice to each mould, place a blueberry in the center, and chill for 30+ minutes.

🔹Step 3: Soak remaining gelatine or agar in 100 ml cold water for 5 minutes, then add to simmering coconut milk with sugar (or add 3 tsp powdered gelatine directly). Stir until dissolved (agar takes 2–3 minutes).

🔹Step 4: Pour the cooled coconut mixture over the set juice layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until fully set. Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.

Try making these spooky treats with your kids or grandkids and share your creations with us!

21/10/2025

At your initial assessment, our team takes the time to uncover the root cause of your dry eye so we can provide the right treatment for you.

✔️ Tear Quality & Gland Health: We measure the quality of your tears and check how well your meibomian glands are working.
✔️ Tearlab Testing: A tiny tear sample may be taken to measure osmolarity (the saltiness of your tears).
✔️ LipiView® Imaging: This lets us look more closely at your tear film.
✔️ Meibomian Gland Evaluation: We may check for any blockages or obstructions.

Following your assessment, you’ll receive a personalised treatment plan, with access to advanced technology such as LipiFlow® and Lumenis Optima™ IPL.

All care is provided by our expertly trained clinical team, ensuring you receive the best support and long-term relief.

Bothered by dry eyes? Book an appointment today with one of
our experts.

🔹Call 0800 25 53 93
🔹Book online https://www.aucklandeye.co.nz/book-now/request-an-appointment/

19/10/2025

✨ Happy Diwali! ✨

May the Festival of Lights bring joy, prosperity, and warmth to you and your loved ones. We wish you light, love, and laughter this Diwali 🌟