Dr Stephen Best, MBChB (Otago), FRANZCO

Cataract Surgeon, Glaucoma Specialist
Neuro-ophthalmology Specialist

Clinical Fellow at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia:
Glaucoma 1990 -1991
Neuro-ophthalmology 1991 -1992

Appointments available: Remuera, Botany

About Stephen’s career

Stephen joined Auckland Eye in 1994 as a specialist in glaucoma surgery and neuro-ophthalmic
problems. Originally hailing from the West Coast, Stephen attended University of Otago
completing undergraduate degrees in science and medicine. After clinical years based in
Christchurch, he was appointed to the Auckland Waikato registrar training program, completing
FRANZCO qualifications in 1989. Following advanced sub-specialty fellowship training in
glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology for two years at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Stephen
returned to Auckland Hospital Eye Department as a tutor specialist in 1992.

Since that time, he has combined his private practice with public commitments at Greenlane
Clinical Centre, where he enjoys the ongoing challenge of training registrars, teaching medical
and optometry  students. As part of the Auckland Eye peripheral clinic scheme, Stephen has
also joined Eastcare  Specialist Centre in Botany Road.

Stephen’s interest in glaucoma treatment has led him to participate in international multi-centre
clinical trials for glaucoma medications. He is an active member of the Royal Australia and New
Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO) and has contributed to numerous college activities
including being part of the scientific program committee, a continuing role as a basic sciences 
examiner, college councilor, and RANZCO Board member for the last six years. At a local level
he has been a New Zealand branch executive, and served as NZ Chairman 2005-2007.
Stephen also supports Glaucoma NZ and is Vice-chairman of Australia and New Zealand
Glaucoma Interest Group (ANZGIG).

About Stephen

Stephen is an established glaucoma specialist with over 15 years of practice, and enjoys the
long-term relationship he builds with his glaucoma patients, but his greatest pleasure is
restoring vision for patients with cataracts and helping to improve their quality of life. He finds it
extremely rewarding to help his patients obtain and maintain good vision and prevent blindness
from glaucoma.

Stephen is married and has two teenage children. He likes to maintain an active lifestyle and
is an avid cyclist participating in regular group rides and multi-day tours. He encourages his son
with school cycling, and his daughter with skiing during winter months.  Family life includes an
appreciation of good cooking, wine, and vacations. He contributes to the local community with
an active involvement at St Andrews Church Epsom.