We are the best at what we do
There is no one in New Zealand who can do what we do when it comes to medical diagnostics and the management of inherited and genetic retinal diseases, and for those in the know, we are the authority on all things retina.
The partners in our practice are internationally renowned, internationally trained and have years of experience delivering world class care to patients, combining our expertise with the latest and greatest technology in imaging and electrodiagnostics.
Ocular Diagnostics
Heidelberg Spectralis OCT imaging
This is the top of the line imaging system to investigate retinal structure abnormalities. The Spectralis OCT imaging function allows clinicians to obtain cross-section in vivo imaging of the retina with unrivalled clarity, making detection of subtle abnormalities possible. The OCT angiography module allows direct imaging of retinal blood flow to assist the diagnosis of macula neovascularization to aide anti-VEGF therapy. Its multi-modal imaging function (autofluorescence, IR reflectance, multicolour reflectance) greatly enhances our ability to diagnose complex macula diseases, such as dystrophy and uveitis.
Optos ultra-widefield imaging and retinal angiography
The Optos imaging system is the gold standard in the imaging of the entire retina, offering unparalleled and simultaneous view of the central pole, mid-periphery and periphery of the retina. This allows the most accurate assessment of global retinal conditions.
Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine angiography are available on both the Spectralis and the Optos platform, depending on the underlying indication.
Electrodiagnostic testing
Electrodiagnostic testing is a non-invasive method to evaluate the function of the retina and macula objectively. This is essential in the management of complex retinal disorders, such as inherited retinal diseases and uveitis.
Retinal Specialists is the only private facility to perform electrodiagnostics in Auckland.
Services available
Anti-VEGF therapy
This is the mainstay of treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and macular oedema from retinal vascular disorder. Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea, Triescence and Ozurdex therapy are available.
Laser therapy
Retinal laser is available in Retina Specialists for both panretinal photocoagulation and macular focal treatment. Furthermore YAG laser therapy is available for posterior capsulotomy and iridotomy.
Ocular genetic assessment
We are the only unit in Auckland with specialists in Ocular Genetics and Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. Both Associate Professor Andrea Vincent and Dr Leo Sheck are consultant ophthalmologists in the ocular genetics department in Auckland District Health Board. Associate Professor Vincent also leads the research team in Ocular Genetics in the University of Auckland, and has established the Database of Inherited Retinal and Optic Nerve Disease. Genetic testing using next generation sequencing technology is available via Retina Specialists.
Cataract surgery
Our surgeons are experts in cataract surgery, and are looking forward to helping you to achieve the best clinical outcome possible. This is particularly the case when performing cataract surgery in the setting of retinal diseases.
Photodynamic therapy
This is the technique of non-thermal laser therapy with Visudyne to treat macular problems, otherwise untreatable with other techniques. This therapy is particularly useful in the management of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.
Uveitis
Both Dr Leo Sheck and Dr Rachel Barnes are proficient in the management of complex uveitis diseases. They are supported in Retina Specialists by our expertise with Spectralis ocular imaging and electrodiagnostics.
Retinal surgery
Dr Monika Pradhan offers consultation in Retina Specialists on the management of surgical retina diseases.