Dr Francesc March de Ribot, a Dunedin Hospital ophthalmologist, has recently been dealing with some unusual referrals from Dunedin Wildlife Hospital. Short, uncooperative and presenting something of a language barrier, these patients have been experiencing a number of different eye problems stemming from their extreme natural habitat.
A member of the research team at the University of Otago, Dr March de Ribot has been treating some of the wildlife hospitals’ hoiho (yellow-eyed) penguins, which are unique to New Zealand.
Penguins' eyesight is critical for their survival, specifically for hunting fish and krill, navigation and avoiding predators such as leopard seals and orcas, said Dr March de Ribot. “However, their eyes are not immune to the challenges of their environment, especially ocular trauma. Corneal lacerations, cataracts and retinal detachments can cause permanent vision loss.”











