Back L-R: Miemmie Prins, Cecilia Chin, A/Prof Bruce Hadden, Catherine Cruz, Dr Peter Ring, Reuben Gordon, Karen Gardner, Dr Peter Hadden and Ali Taramai. Front: Malcolm Lowrey and Catherine Wong

Eye Institute recently celebrated three decades of practice, with doctors and staff gathering to mark its 30th birthday with cake, speeches and a look back at the innovations and successes over the years.

The Remuera Eye Clinic Day Surgery and Laser Centre (later renamed Eye Institute) was founded by Dr Peter Ring, Associate Professor Bruce Hadden and the late Dr Tony Morris. Officially opened by governor-general Cath Tizard on 24 February 1995, it was the first standalone dedicated ophthalmic day surgery centre in New Zealand.

The 1999 renaming to Eye Institute came about to reflect leadership in ophthalmic surgery, clinical research and a growing national sphere of influence, said Dr Ring who spoke at the Remuera clinic celebration. He said he was heartened by the interest the staff took in attending the event and hearing the talks about how it all started. “I hope it made them proud to be part of such a successful pioneering company that has grown so much over the past 30 years.”

John Fischer, Prof Helen Danesh-Meyer and Dr Peter Ring

Reflecting on the journey, Dr Ring said Eye Institute’s staff has always been critical to its success. “Initially it was the three of us selecting colleagues to join us and, over the years, we collectively have made good decisions to have doctors who are very skilled in their field and very collegial. The same goes for nursing staff, optometrists, technicians and clerical staff.”

Its state-of-the-art facilities for outpatient surgery, in its first building and subsequent replacement in Auckland, have also helped the success of Eye Institute, he added. “The decisions we have made to expand have all been very carefully thought out and are proving very successful. Hence, one must always look to the future and this is part of the staff selection, but we are also keeping an eye on technology so we can move with and into the future seamlessly.”

Dr Nick Mantell and Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer also spoke at the Remuera event, with A/Prof Hadden joining on 24 February to present on the clinic’s history.

Drs Adam Watson and Nick Mantell

Over the last 30 years, Eye Institute surgeons have performed more than 120,000 cataract surgeries and 75,000-plus laser surgeries. Across its eight clinics (located in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Blenheim and Dunedin), it annually performs more than 7,500 surgeries per year and clocks up more than 40,000 clinic visits. It also boasts two international Top 100 Power List doctors: Professors Charles McGhee and Helen Danesh-Meyer. Eye Institute’s first education event for optometrists was held in 2002 and it has since provided continuous education events across New Zealand.