NQ Eye Specialists

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.

04/07/2025

30/06/2025

Did you know?

A cataract is when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, making it harder to see clearly. Cataracts usually develop as part of the natural ageing process, but some factors can increase your risk:
• Diabetes
• Long-term steroid use
• Eye trauma
• Smoking
• Excessive UV exposure

Cataracts often develop in both eyes, but one eye may be affected more than the other. As the lens becomes cloudier you may notice your vision deteriorating. Your optometrist can detect the presence of cataracts during your regular eye examination. Common symptoms of cataracts include:
• Blurry, hazy, or dull vision (sometimes described as looking through a dirty window)
• Difficulty focusing or reading
• Glare or halos around bright lights and sensitivity to light
• Frequently needing to update your glasses

Cataracts can be treated with surgery, in which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. This is the most commonly performed surgery worldwide. 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.

29/05/2025

Did you know?

Macula Month, an annual awareness campaign to help Australians understand their risk of macular diseases, runs from 1-31 May.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Australia and usually occurs in people aged 50 and over. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

Both wet and dry macular degeneration can cause:
Distortion of vision, e.g. straight lines appear wavy
Blurred, or loss of, central vision
Desaturation of colour

Risk of developing macular degeneration increases with:
Age
Family history of the condition
Smoking
Obesity
Cardiovascular disease

Currently there is no treatment for dry macular degeneration, therefore prevention is particularly important. Prevention strategies can include:
Regular eye examinations
Ceasing smoking
Maintaining normal blood pressure
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and eating balanced meals high in leafy green vegetables, oily fish, nuts and yellow fruit/vegetables

There are available treatment options, but no cure, for wet macular degeneration. The aim is to maintain vision and preserve useful central vision for as long as possible, therefore prompt diagnosis is important to prevent deterioration.

We recommend knowing your risk factors for macular degeneration and taking steps to protect your eyes, including regular optometry review. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your vision we encourage you to see your local optometrist or GP.

12/05/2025

Today on International Nurses Day we say thank you to Karen, Paige, and Georjal — our incredible nurses here at NQ Eye Specialists.
Your care, skill and kindness make all the difference to our patients and our team. We are so lucky to have you - today and every day!

21/04/2025

Did you know?

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition affecting between 5% and 50% of people around the world.

DED happens when your eyes do not make enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to dryness, discomfort, and even damage to the surface of the eye.

Tears are more than just water—they have three layers, each playing a role in keeping your eyes lubricated, protected, and healthy. When any part of this system is not working well, dry eye symptoms can occur.

Symptoms of DED:
Feeling of dryness
Gritty sensation
Burning or stinging
Feeling like there is something in your eye
Sore or tired eyes
Watery eyes (from overcompensation)

Your chances of developing dry eyes increase as you get older because tear production tends to diminish with age. Women are more likely to have dry eyes due to hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy, or while using oral contraceptives. Certain health conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can also increase your likelihood of dry eyes.

Dry eyes can be uncomfortable, but taking steps to protect your eyes and knowing the risk factors can help. If you are bothered by the symptoms of dry eyes, please reach out to your local optometrist or GP to discuss treatment options.