News

Eye‑Tech Day Surgeries Southside has expanded its vitreoretinal surgery capability, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of specialist Ophthalmic services for Brisbane’s southside community.

The hospital has installed two Alcon Unity Vitreoretinal Cataract Systems, one in each operating theatre. This investment enables concurrent vitreoretinal and cataract surgery lists and supports rising demand for retinal procedures within a dedicated day hospital environment.

Since the vitreoretinal service was launched in 2024, activity has exceeded initial expectations. Annual vitreoretinal case volumes are now more than double original projections, representing an increase of over 100 percent compared with anticipated first‑year activity. Growth has accelerated markedly in the past year and is expected to continue into FY27.

Chief Executive Officer / Director of Nursing, Jasmin Harris, said the decision to equip both theatres reflected strong and sustained uptake of the service, supported by referrer confidence and community need.

“When we launched vitreoretinal surgery in 2024, we anticipated measured growth,” Ms Harris said.

“Demand from the local community has been strong, and expanding capability across both theatres allows us to improve access for surgeons, reduce wait times for patients and continue delivering the personalised care Eye‑Tech Southside is known for.”

Ms Harris said the dual Unity availability assisted with long‑term service planning.

“Having identical capability across both theatres gives us flexibility to run concurrent lists, manage complex cases efficiently and maintain continuity of care, even during peak periods or equipment servicing.”

Vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Jasan Cassar of Sunnybank Eye Doctors said the combination of technology and team expertise at Eye‑Tech Southside supports the delivery of complex vitreoretinal procedures in a highly efficient clinical environment.

“It is a pleasure working with the team at Eye Tech Southside (Mt Gravatt). The combination of experienced staff, efficient theatre support, and modern technology such as the Unity platform creates an excellent environment for delivering vitreoretinal services and exceptional patient care at the forefront of what is surgically possible today,” Dr Cassar said.

“My patients are my yardstick though, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback encourages the team’s continued efforts to make vitreoretinal surgery outcomes at Eye‑Tech Southside among the best in the state.”

The expanded vitreoretinal service is supported by advanced Ophthalmic technology, including Resight viewing systems, Leica and Zeiss microscopes and Mira Cryotherapy units. Together, these resources support a comprehensive range of vitreoretinal procedures, including retinal detachment repair, membrane peels, diabetic retinopathy treatment, macular hole surgery, pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, photocoagulation, cryotherapy and intravitreal injections.

Eye‑Tech Day Surgeries Southside currently supports four vitreoretinal surgeons within a broader cohort of 18 Ophthalmologists. The growing group of subspecialist surgeons value the efficiency of the theatre environment, the experience of the Ophthalmic nursing team and the consistency of care provided in a facility designed exclusively for eye surgery.

“Our surgeons value working with our team who do this work every day, in theatres configured specifically for Ophthalmology,” Ms Harris said.

“For patients, this translates to surgery delivered in an environment purpose‑built for eye surgery, with experienced Ophthalmic staff supporting them at every stage of their journey.”

Eye‑Tech Day Surgeries Southside has served Brisbane’s southside community for more than 20 years, having been established in 2004. Today, as part of Cura Day Hospitals Group, the hospital benefits from strong clinical governance, regular investment in technology and a commitment to supporting specialist surgical services close to home.

The hospital provides a comprehensive range of Ophthalmic services, including cataract surgery, glaucoma procedures, corneal surgery and an expanding suite of vitreoretinal procedures.

Monthly hospital open days continue to provide referrers with the opportunity to visit the facility, meet the team and learn more about available services. Referrers interested in future optometrist education or CPD events are encouraged to register their interest directly with the hospital.

Patients experiencing symptoms such as flashes of light, sudden onset floaters, distorted vision or vision loss are encouraged to seek prompt assessment from their GP or optometrist and request referral to an Ophthalmologist who operates at Eye‑Tech Day Surgeries Southside.

Referrers seeking further information about the hospital’s vitreoretinal services can contact Eye‑Tech Day Surgeries Southside on (07) 3420 2666 or visit curagroup.com.au/hospital/eye-tech-day-surgeries-southside/.