Dr Stephen Best

Cataract Surgeon
Glaucoma Specialist
Neuro-ophthalmology Specialist
Clinical Fellow at Wills Eye Hospital
Philadelphia: Glaucoma 1990 -1991
Neuro-ophthalmology 1991 -1992

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 his 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, more recently glaucoma fellows, and teaching medical and optometry students.

He is a Past President (2011-2013) of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO) with many years of contributing to numerous college activities including being on the Scientific Program Committee, a basic sciences examiner, in physiology, College Councillor, RANZCO Board member, Treasurer, and Vice President . He continues activities with RANZCO including the Australian and New Zealand Eye Foundation (ANZEF), and currently chairs the  Trainee Progression Committee. He is also past Chairman of the NZ Branch of RANZCO, serving on that executive for many years. Stephen has previously served as Vice President of the Australian and New Zealand Glaucoma Interest Group (ANZGIG) and supports Glaucoma New Zealand. Stephen’s interest in glaucoma treatment has allowed him to participate in international multi-centre clinical trials for glaucoma medications.

About Stephen

Stephen is an established glaucoma specialist with over 25 years of practice, and enjoys the long-term relationship he builds with his glaucoma patients, but one of 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 children. He likes to maintain an active lifestyle and is an avid cyclist participating in regular group rides and multi-day tours. He encouraged family participation in active sports including skiing. Family life includes an appreciation of good cooking, wine, gardening, and in winter, skiing. He contributes to the local community with an active involvement at St Andrews Church Epsom.