Within our purpose-built facility in central Christchurch we offer a complete range of eye treatments and surgical procedures, providing laser eye surgery expertise as part of our wider delivery of expert ophthalmological care.
Our expert team includes New Zealand’s leading laser eye surgeons and experienced eye care specialists. We perform different types of refractive laser procedures, with a recommended approach only offered after careful analysis and consultation.
Laser surgery first gained popularity for correcting vision defects back in the 1980s. Since then, the technology has continued to develop at a rapid pace, with new innovations leading to improved procedures and consistently excellent results.
Laser procedures are now used on a range of refractive errors including nearsightedness and farsightedness or astigmatism. For many people eye laser surgery is a fast and convenient way to reduce or remove the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Specifically, laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea which we can do using the full range of advanced techniques: SMILE pro, LASIK, and PRK/ASLA, tailored to each patient’s eye shape, lifestyle, and visual goals.
SMILE pro uses the latest ZEISS laser technology to gently remove a tiny lenticule through a keyhole incision, offering fast recovery and excellent comfort.
LASIK creates a thin corneal flap, allowing precise laser correction within seconds and quick visual results.
ASLA treats the corneal surface directly and is ideal for patients with thinner corneas or specific occupational needs. Advanced Surface Laser Ablation is the updated term for PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
After the age of 40, it becomes harder to focus up close, usually due to presbyopia. Using monovision or blended vision laser treatments, each eye is adjusted slightly differently, one for distance and one for near, giving you clearer vision across ranges and reducing dependence on reading glasses.
For those who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, lens-based procedures can provide excellent results.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) replaces the natural lens with an artificial one to correct both distance and near vision.
Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery places a soft, removable lens inside the eye to deliver crisp vision without altering the cornea.
These advanced procedures address corneal irregularities and medical conditions.
Phototherapeutic Keratectomy
PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy) smooths the corneal surface to treat scars or dystrophies, improving clarity and comfort.
TCAT + Cross-linking
TCAT + Cross-linking combines customised laser treatment with corneal strengthening, helping patients with keratoconus or other irregular corneal shapes achieve more stable vision.
Laser eye procedures are performed by two of New Zealand’s leading corneal surgeons who work alongside an experienced clinical support team.
Dr John Rawstron
MB ChB, MPH, GDipM (Refract Surg), FRANZCO
Along with laser refractive surgery, John’s subspecialties include corneal surgery, anterior surface ocular disease, pterygium, and refractive cataract surgery.
John began his medical career at the University of Otago and completed the world’s first ever formal qualification in refractive surgery at Sydney University. He spent time as a corneal consultant at Royal Perth Hospital and a refractive surgeon at the Western Australia Laser Eye Centre before moving to Christchurch in 2013 to take up public and private roles in ophthalmology.
Dr Elizabeth Conner
MBChB, BMedSci, FRANZCO
For Liz, who specialises in the treatment of keratoconus, paediatric eye disease and cataract and corneal surgery, laser refractive surgery represents the pinnacle of technological advancement in her field.
Curiously, it was her interest in severe eye disease that led her to specialise in corneal treatment and refractive surgery. She took part in the first corneal cross-linking procedures at Christchurch Hospital which has now become a standard of care in keratoconus. Now working with the world’s best technology to image and reshape the cornea, Liz takes great pride in the results it can offer.
Laser Team Leader
Orthoptist
Ophthalmic Technician
Optometrist
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Operations Manager
Clinical Team Leader
Medical Secretary
Address:
128 Kilmore Street, Christchurch 8013
