The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

17/12/2025

Our 2025 Administrative Excellence Award was given to our Consumer Liaison Office, Peter Jones, during our annual Excellence Awards last week.

Peter advocates for patient voices, drives positive change based on feedback, and collaborates closely with staff to enhance the patient experience at Eye and Ear. His attentiveness when engaging with patients, carers and families has led to considerate initiatives across the hospital.

Thank you and congratulations Peter! Read more about his nomination here: https://bit.ly/4iWCqBw

15/12/2025

Amy Tan is this year’s winner of the 2025 Nursing Excellence Award at the Eye and Ear.

Amy was nominated for her caring, compassionate work in specialist clinics. She is valued highly by her colleagues for her teamwork and appreciated by our patients for her continued kindness.

Learn more about Amy and the other winners of the Excellence Awards here: https://bit.ly/4iWCqBw

15/12/2025

Together, with our Parkville Local Health Service Network, we extend our thoughts and deepest sympathies to all those impacted by the devastating attack in Bondi last night.

Everyone has a right to feel safe and welcome in our community regardless of their religion, background, identity or beliefs. To our Jewish community, we are here for you. Everyone is always welcome here.

Events like this can be deeply distressing. If you, or someone you care about, needs support, confidential help is available.

Beyond Blue -1300 224 636
beyondblue.org.au

13YARN - 13 92 76
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800
For children and young people aged 5 to 25

Open Arms - 1800 011 046
For current and former ADF members and their families

If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000.

14/12/2025

The winner of this year's Allied Health Excellence Award is Acting Director of Cochlear Implant, Balance Services Relationships and Co-Ordinator of the Victorian Cochlear Implant Program (VCIP), Dr Jaime Leigh.

Jaime is a dedicated audiologist whose collaborative leadership, advocacy and hearing loss research have supported guidelines across Australia and enabled early diagnosis in children, improving language development. Her work within VCIP has also improved access to specialist services across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Her genuine approach and humanity consistently foster an environment where her team and colleagues feel respected and appreciated. Congratulations Jaime!

View this year’s Excellence Award Winners here: https://bit.ly/4iWCqBw

12/12/2025

This year’s J Aubrey Bowen Medal was awarded to ophthalmologist Dr Kristen Wells at yesterday’s Excellence Awards.

Dr Wells is no stranger to this honour, having received the award 11 years ago. Her continued passion and advocacy for enhancing clinical teaching and developing skills among junior doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals have once again distinguished her as a worthy recipient.

Congratulations to Dr Wells, you can learn more about her nomination here: https://bit.ly/4iWCqBw

11/12/2025

Congratulations to Professor Robert Briggs, who received the Board Chair’s Medal at this year’s Excellence Awards!

Professor Briggs is the Head of our Cochlear Implant Clinic and has dedicated nearly 40 years of his career at the Eye and Ear to advancing hearing health and treatments through surgical advancements, clinical teaching and world–leading research.

Learn more about his nomination and the other winners of the 2025 Excellence Awards here: https://eyeandear.org.au/news-events/2025-agm-and-staff-excellence-awards/

11/12/2025

Today at our Annual General Meeting, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital presented its 2024-2025 Annual Report. You can view the report here: https://bit.ly/3MvSqOH

A special thank you to Dr Thomas Hardy and Dr Jwu Jin Khong from our Orbital Plastics and Lacrimal unit (OPAL), who provided an engaging presentation on the history of the OPAL unit and their increased involvement and research into Thyroid Eye Disease care.

Our OPAL unit are a diverse ophthalmology department that works collaboratively across:

- Ophthalmology
- Ear, nose and throat services
- Ocular prosthetics
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Plastic surgery and
- Neurosurgery

10/12/2025

Please note our modified Pharmacy opening hours over the holiday season and ensure you have enough medication to last through this time.

Pharmacy will be closed on:
- 25 December 2025
- 26 December 2025
- 1 January 2026

All other days will operate as normal.

10/12/2025

The Eye and Ear are committed to helping shape the future of eye care for First Nations communities.

Brodie Seymour is the first recipient of a scholarship supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students to complete ophthalmology placements. Earlier this year, Brodie spent six weeks at the Eye and Ear, gaining hands-on experience and preparing for a future as an ophthalmologist. His goal? To make a lasting difference in eye health for First Nations communities.

Watch Brodie’s story and see how this scholarship is helping shape the future of eye care and learn more about the scholarship here: https://bit.ly/4a8edpk

09/12/2025

Jordan’s journey, made possible by expert care.

Jordan is a bubbly 10-year-old who has received long-term care and multiple surgeries at the Eye and Ear for a rare eye movement condition.

She’s one of 1,650 patients seen each year by Dr Shivanand Sheth and his team at Australia’s only dedicated Ocular Motility Unit - specialising in eye alignment and movement disorders for children and adults.

Dr Sheth shared:

“Jordan is a ray of sunshine. Despite multiple hospital visits and surgeries, she remains bubbly, chatty and optimistic. Watching her grow from an infant to a confident school-aged child has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. When you support the hospital, you support clinics like ours - and make this kind of impact possible for Jordan and so many others like her.”

It’s not too late to donate to our Christmas fundraising appeal and help more children thrive: https://bit.ly/4fNFSM6

02/12/2025

“That early contact makes a big difference — the sooner we know about a patient’s needs and supports required, the better we can plan and coordinate care,” - Brianna, Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) at the Eye and Ear.

Today on International Day of People with Disability, we acknowledge the 1 in 6 people living with disability across the world.

Brianna’s role at the Eye and Ear focuses on reducing barriers for accessing appropriate care and supporting patients, carers and families of those living with disability.

Learn more about our DLO how the hospital can support you here: https://bit.ly/48h93EN

02/12/2025

Sue’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration and patient-centred care. Her story highlights the importance of accessible cochlear implant services for all Victorians, regardless of where they live, and serves as an inspiration for others who may be hesitant to take the next step towards better hearing.

If you’re interested in learning more about cochlear implants and if they’re the right fit for you, have a discussion with your local GP or Audiologist.

You can learn more about cochlear implants here: https://bit.ly/4iCmuUL

The first patient to have cochlear implant surgery in a regional Victorian hospital, Mrs Sue Kleinert, has described it as “the best decision ever for me and also my family.”