Dr Adam Watson

Laser Vision Correction, Cataract, Cornea and Oculoplastic Surgeon

Dr Adam Watson

Laser Vision Correction, Cataract, Cornea & Oculoplastic Surgeon

Get to know Dr Adam Watson

Dr Watson reflects on why he chose to pursue eye surgery as his medical specialty and his experiences since then

Dr Adam Watson’s professional background

Discover more about this New Zealand eye expert below

Experience and education

Dr Adam Watson is a Director and Co-Chief Medical Officer at Eye Institute. His areas of expertise include:

  • Refractive vision correction specialist – laser, refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery
  • Corneal surgeon
  • Oculoplastic specialist – eyelid and tear drainage surgery

After graduating from the University of Otago Medical School in 1991, Dr Watson trained as an ophthalmic surgeon in Australia and Auckland before completing advanced subspecialist fellowship training over two and a half years at renowned centres in England, including Queen Victoria and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

Training and principal qualifications:
  • MB ChB (Otago)
  • Fellow – Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
  • Vision Correction Specialist & Director – Eye Institute

Dr. Watson’s focus is the front of the eye. His combination of specialisations enables him to address the face, eyelids, tear drainage system, and the eye and cornea’s surface.

Dr Watson’s specialisations:

Laser vision correction (LASIK, SMILE, PRK/Surface)

Laser eye surgery uses laser techniques to change the shape of the eye’s surface, the cornea. Dr Watson is an expert in these techniques, having advanced fellowship training and more than 20 years of experience.

By altering the shape of the cornea, laser eye surgery can remove most focusing errors. It corrects short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.

Refractive lens exchange

Refractive lens exchange offers the opportunity to minimise or eliminate dependence on glasses. Dr Watson uses the latest technology multifocal and extended vision lens implants with options tailored to your lifestyle.

Excellence in cataract surgery

Dr Watson uses the latest technologies and techniques to ensure a comfortable and pleasant experience for you while safely restoring more youthful vision. Additionally, underlying problems such as astigmatism, short-sightedness and long-sightedness are readily corrected.

Techniques include:

  • No-needle, painless gel anaesthetic
  • Small, sutureless incision technique
  • Latest technology cataract dissolve and remove
  • Astigmatism-correcting lens implants
  • Options for minimising reading glasses use – multifocal lens implants, blended vision

Oculoplastic surgery

  • Eyelid surgery including ectropion, entropion, blepharoplasty; lacrimal surgery – treatment of watery eyes; skin cancers around the eyes; orbital disease; botulinum toxin treatment.
  • Corneal Surgery: Keratoconus treatments including corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), Keraring and Intacs implants
  • Corneal transplant surgery including partial-thickness DALK and DSAEK techniques
  • Excimer and femtosecond laser surgical techniques

Ocular surface disease

  • Dry eyes
  • Allergic eye disease
  • Traumatic and immune limbal stem-cell failure

Dr Watson’s combination of specialised training and more than 18 years of experience gives him a great understanding of the best approach to treating refractive error, cataract, corneal conditions, eyelid and tear drainage conditions.

“I get great pleasure from understanding people’s needs and correcting their vision, helping their eyes function well, or improving their appearance. I always strive to achieve an excellent outcome for my patients.”

Adam was lucky to meet Kate, his wife while working in England. Kate is a trained nurse with special experience in day surgical nursing. Together, they enjoy the region’s beaches, bush and city, exploring new places in New Zealand, and catching up with their family and friends both here and in the UK. They have four children who keep them happily busy at all times.

Dr Watson has published several papers internationally as well as a textbook chapter on aspects of LASIK management. He routinely attends educational meetings and conferences in Australasia, the USA and Europe to stay at the leading edge of clinical practice and frequently gives lectures at educational meetings and seminars.

Membership to professional societies:
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Australasian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Australia and New Zealand Society of Oculoplastic Surgery

Discover if you could be free from glasses and contacts

Everyone deserves a life free from glasses and contacts, but not everyone is suitable. The best way to find out if vision correction is right for you is to book a free laser assessment. You’ll get a clear and honest answer on your suitability and treatment options.

Discover if you could be free from glasses and contacts

Everyone deserves a life free from glasses and contacts, but not everyone is suitable. The best way to find out if vision correction is right for you is to book a free laser assessment. You’ll get a clear and honest answer on your suitability and treatment options.

BOOK A FREE LASER ASSESSMENT