NQ Eye Specialists

09/11/2025

Did you know November 10th is World Keratoconus Day?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape. This change of shape to the cornea causes distortion and blurred vision. It is most commonly diagnosed in late teens or young adults and treatment can vary depending on progression.

Symptoms:
- Gradually worsening vision
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty driving at night
- Haloes around lights
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Eye strain and headaches

Causes and Risk Factors:
- Family history
- Regular and vigorous eye rubbing can trigger or worsen the condition
- Chronic eye inflammation
- Age

Please speak to your local optometrist or GP with any questions or concerns relating to your vision. It is recommended to get your vision checked regularly

03/11/2025

11/09/2025

R U OK? Day
Today is a reminder that a simple question can change a life.
Take a moment to check in with someone. Ask a friend, a colleague, a loved one "R U OK?" and really listen. You don’t need to have all the answers, just be there.
A conversation could make all the difference.

11/09/2025

👁 Eye Health in Regional, Rural, and Remote Australia: A Pilot Study

JCU: James Cook University, Australia, in partnership with the North Queensland Eye Foundation, is conducting research into the barriers and enablers to accessing eye health services in regional, rural, and remote communities.

📣 Have you received or provided eye health services in these areas in the past 3 years?

If so, you’re invited to take part in this important study. Your experiences will help shape future policy and practice to improve how eye health services are delivered across Australia.

📊 This pilot study will help inform a larger research project aiming to improve access to eye care where it’s needed most.

👉 For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Dr Jenny Kelly (Co-investigator & Project Manager)
📧 jenny.kelly@jcu.edu.au

21/08/2025

We would like to recognise Professor Lawrence Hirst's dedication and pioneering work with the Queensland Eye Bank - he leaves behind an inspiring legacy. Thank you for your service Prof Hirst!

The founding medical director of the Queensland Eye Bank, Prof Lawrence Hirst has seen his way through 38 years of dedication to the delivery of eye tissue to thousands of Queenslanders. 👀

The eye bank (QEB) which had humble beginnings at PA Hospital when it launched in 1988 was soon the best performing in the country.

Now part of the Queensland Tissue Bank, it is the largest ocular tissue bank in Australia, processing over 500 donors a year, supporting approximately 1,000 corneal transplants every year.

That’s over 30,000 corneas for transplant and multitudes of Queenslanders with a new lease on sight!

Prof Hirst quietly stepped out of frame from his QEB leadership role earlier this year and Queensland’s success in corneal transplantation is a testament to his 38 years of dedicated service.

Thank you, Prof Hirst. 👏

21/07/2025

We are pleased to introduce an exciting new addition to the NQ Eye Specialists’ panel of treating ophthalmologists.