New vision-saving surgery launches at Ipswich Day Hospital

An Ipswich man has had his sight restored thanks to new ‘revolutionary’ technology launched locally.

After losing vision in his right eye and being told he’d have to wait an indefinite time for surgery, an Ipswich man has finally had his sight restored thanks to new ‘revolutionary’ technology.

David Hines of Eastern Heights, 64, said he recently visited an optometrist after struggling with poor vision for several months.

“I used to feel out of focus and lazy and I’d keep rubbing my eye,” Mr Hines said.

“I was playing golf, I looked down and I couldn’t see the ball.”

Mr Hines’ optometrist referred him to a Brisbane hospital for surgery, where staff told him he would have to wait however long it took for an appointment to become available.

He returned to his optometrist and was referred to Eye Health Centre at Booval.

Two weeks later, Mr Hines was the first Ipswich patient to receive a vision-saving vitrectomy locally. Six weeks later, his sight had returned.

“Now the vision’s great. It’s wonderful,” Mr Hines said.

Mr Hines underwent a 40-minute surgery to restore his vision. Picture: Supplied

Macular surgery and vitrectomy have recently launched at Ipswich Day Hospital, meaning Ipswich eye patients suffering from retinal and macular diseases can finally access help immediately.

Previously, patients would have no other option but to travel to Brisbane, or further, to see a retinal specialist.

Retinal surgeon and macular disease specialist Dr Tom Moloney, who trained at the Ipswich Hospital, said traveling the distance could be challenging for Ipswich residents suffering with eye problems and many would leave their conditions untreated.

“Providing this care to the community locally and reducing the need for travel will help patients to maintain their independence,” Dr Moloney said.

Dr Tom Moloney. Picture: Supplied

Cura Day Hospitals Group CEO Andrew Currie said Ipswich Day Hospital was the first private hospital in the region to offer the technology.

“Cura Day Hospitals Group is constantly looking for ways to improve care and outcomes for patients, and with increased lockdowns and the uncertainty of the pandemic, immediate access to this type of healthcare is vital,” he said.

Ipswich’s ageing population means there is an increasing need for treatment, usually with eye injections.

People concerned about their vision can visit their local GP or optometrist for a check-up and ask to be referred to Dr Moloney or Dr Apel at the Eye Health Centre at Booval.

All retinal surgery needed will be performed at Ipswich Day Hospital.

Originally published as New vision-saving surgery launches at Ipswich Day Hospital