Auckland Eye appoints NZ’s second-ever ocular oncologist

Introduction

Auckland Eye welcomes highly-trained ophthalmologist Dr Riyaz Bhikoo to its team. He brings sought-after expertise in ocular tumours, cataracts, and vitreoretinal and macular disorders.

A stand-out talent

Born and raised in New Zealand, Riyaz completed his medical training at the University of Auckland, where he was awarded the Calvin Ring Prize for best undergraduate medical student in ophthalmology. After completing his ophthalmology residency, he received advanced surgical training at some of the world’s leading hospitals and training institutions, including the University of British Columbia (Canada), Houston Methodist Hospital (USA), Royal Perth Hospital and the Lions Eye Institute (Australia). During that time, he completed the Area of Focused Competence (AFC-Diploma) program in Retina, and is the first vitreoretinal surgeon in New Zealand to have his surgical training recognised by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Canada (DRCPSC Retina).

Riyaz’s passion for eye health and years of hard work make him a highly-effective physician. After working as a specialist in Western Australia and Tasmania, he has returned home to join “a great group of people” at Auckland Eye.

“My career has come full circle, and I’m excited to be working with people who helped train me.”

Dedicated eye cancer specialist

Riyaz is one of two qualified ocular oncologists in New Zealand, with expertise in diagnosing and managing ocular tumours, including uveal melanoma (choroid/iris/ciliary body), ocular metastasis and lymphoma. In addition to Auckland Eye, he provides subspecialist care at the Greenlane Clinical Centre and Middlemore Hospital. He is also strongly interested in clinical research, with many of his findings featured in local and international publications. In 2014 he focused on improving surgical outcomes for cataract patients at the Pacific Eye Institute in Fiji through the Fred Hollows Foundation.

“Auckland Eye is one of the few practices in New Zealand with a dedicated Clinical Research Unit. This platform will allow me to initiate my own projects and continue some of the work I’ve been doing overseas.”

Providing expert care and advice

Riyaz is highly-regarded by his patients as an empathetic and professional healthcare practitioner. He always takes the time to ensure his patients understand their conditions without complex medical jargon.

“Vision makes our lives so much richer, yet there are a number of diseases that can impact our ability to see. The best part of being an ophthalmologist and retinal subspecialist is offering my patients hope to save their sight by providing them with expert care and advice.”

About Auckland Eye

Auckland Eye is New Zealand’s largest private ophthalmology practice and a centre of excellence for eye care. Combined with Oasis Surgical – Auckland’s premier eye surgery facility – our highly-trained, leading experts provide superior treatment and world-class care in a comprehensive range of eye treatments, such as laser vision correction (including SMILE), cataract surgery, glaucoma, eyelid surgery, paediatrics and retinal surgery.