Eye care questions and answers

Our world-class eye specialists tell you everything you need to know about getting top quality eye care

Eye care questions and answers

Our world-class eye specialists tell you everything you need to know about getting top quality eye care

Answers to the most frequently asked questions

If you’re thinking about having eye surgery, you’ll probably have lots of questions. Whether you’d like to know about the risks, what happens before, during and after surgery, or how long you can expect your recovery to take, our experienced team will always be happy to explain.

In the meantime here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

1. How much experience do your surgeons have?

Our teams have performed thousands of successful procedures since we first opened in 1995. And because our surgeons specialise in specific areas, you can be sure you’ll be looked after by someone with excellent experience with your condition.

Because all of our surgeons are specialists in specific areas of eye care and surgery, your condition may dictate which surgeon you are seen by.
For some procedures such as laser or cataract surgery, where there is more than one specialist available, you may well be able to choose the surgeon that treats you. Just ask us when you make an appointment.

Every procedure is different, but you can determine the exact cost of your eye surgery procedure by calling us on 0800 99 2020 or contacting us online. You can also find out more about costs, including how we may help you spread the cost of surgery, on the finance page.

Our Remuera clinic is our central hub offering our full range of services and is where we perform all of our laser vision correction treatments. Eye Institute Wellington provides laser eye surgery, and a range of surgical and medical eye care services.
Also many of our other clinics are equipped to deal with most other procedures and treatments other than laser vision correction, as well as consultations and follow-up appointments. Have a look at where your local Eye Institute clinic is on our locations page, or simply ask us when you make an appointment.

Questions about procedures & risks

Every procedure is different, but thanks to the highly advanced technology and techniques we have available, nearly all treatments are now ‘day stay’ procedures. For more information about specific eye procedures, take a look at the treatments page.

With all surgical procedures, there is a possibility of complications. However, complications from eye surgery that could threaten your vision are extremely rare. Your surgeon will thoroughly explain all of the potential risks to you at the outset.

Generally, the most serious risk associated with eye surgery is an infection. You can reduce this risk substantially by following the advice of your surgeon after surgery. For example, it’s essential to use any eye drops or medication we give you after surgery. You may also be advised to avoid swimming and exposure to potentially contaminated water such as hot tubs for a few weeks.

We perform the majority of procedures at Eye Institute under local anaesthetic. That means no special preparation (such as not eating beforehand) is usually required. However, your surgeon and their team will advise you at your consultation appointment if any special preparations are necessary.

You are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you when you come for surgery, and any other appointments as well. During surgery, they can wait for you in one of our comfortable lounge areas.

It’s natural to be nervous before undergoing any medical procedure. That’s why our caring, friendly and experienced team is always on hand. Part of their job is to know how to make sure you feel relaxed and comfortable before, during and after your surgery. They are highly trained and will be able to answer all of your questions and concerns. They are capable of making even the most nervous patient feel completely at ease.

You shouldn’t feel any pain at all during eye surgery. We now carry out the vast majority of procedures under local or topical anaesthetic. This means you will be awake, but your eye will be ‘numb’ to any pain. You may experience some slight discomfort, but your surgeon will clearly explain what to expect beforehand. You may also have the option of taking a mild sedative to help you relax if you wish.

For most procedures, we use a local or topical anaesthetic so you will be awake during your eye surgery, but should feel no pain. A trained and experienced anaesthetist will administer your anaesthetic – usually by a local anaesthetic injection, or topical anaesthetic cream or gel.
For some procedures where it’s likely you will experience some discomfort, you may also have the option of taking a mild sedative. Your surgeon will explain all of the options to you before your surgery.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Give us a call to book your appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Give us a call to book your appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Questions about what it’s like after eye surgery & recovery

Because every procedure is different, and so is every patient, recovery times vary. However, thanks to the highly advanced technology and techniques we use most procedures now have vastly improved recovery times.

For example, most patients can return home within just one hour of cataract surgery and usually enjoy normal vision again within a couple of days. For more information about specific eye recovery times, see the appropriate eye surgery on the treatments page.

This depends on the procedure. However, the majority of procedures performed by us are now ‘day stay’. That means, in most cases, you will be able to return home on the day of your operation.

For some procedures, we will require to attend one or more follow-up visits to make sure the surgery has been successful, and check that your eye is healing well. For more information about whether follow-up visits are required for specific procedures, see the appropriate eye surgery under the treatments page.

After eye surgery, it’s important to reduce the risk of infection as much as possible. That usually means avoiding swimming and exposure to potentially contaminated water such as hot tubs. For how long depends on your surgery and expected recovery time, but two weeks is generally advised.

Some procedures, such as those involving retinal surgery, will require you to avoid any strenuous activity for the first few days. And after a vitrectomy, we may advise you to keep your head in a certain position to aid healing. However, after most procedures, including a cataract operation, you’ll be able to return to normal, non-strenuous activities almost straight away.

It’s also very important to follow any specific instructions your surgeon gives you, such as using eye drops, medication or wearing an eye patch to protect your eye. For more information about after-care for specific procedures, have a look at the appropriate eye surgery under the treatments page, or just give us a call.

We offer a range of different intraocular lenses (IOLs) that we can fit during your cataract operation. These IOLs can help correct long-sightedness, short-sightedness and astigmatism. It may even be possible to improve your eyesight to such an extent that you no longer need to rely on glasses. For more information, see the cataract treatment page, or contact us today.

We make eye treatment easy across New Zealand

At Eye Institute we match exceptional treatment with stress-free service

We’re national

We have clinics throughout Auckland and also in Wellington, Hawke’s Bay and Blenheim, with convenient options for our out-of-town patients to make our treatments accessible to patients nationwide.

We’re straightforward

We understand that choosing an eye surgeon can be confusing. Our aim is to make your eye care journey as easy and stress-free as possible.

We make excellence accessible to all

Our mission is to make the best eye surgery available to anyone. We’ve developed financing programs for our patients to help make treatment accessible to all.

We fit your life

You deserve exceptional personalised service. If you are limited in time, speak to one of our friendly team members about our flexible appointment options and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

We’re authentic

Our warm and friendly team of experts ensure you feel valued and confident on your eye care journey.