Dr Riyaz Bhikoo is a New Zealand–trained ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon with subspecialty expertise in vitreoretinal surgery, ocular oncology, and refractive cataract and lens exchange surgery.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Dr Bhikoo completed his medical degree at the University of Auckland, where he was awarded the Calvin Ring Prize for best undergraduate medical student in ophthalmology. He completed his ophthalmology training in the North Island and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

Having been awarded multiple postgraduate travel scholarships, Dr Bhikoo undertook 3.5 years of advanced surgical fellowship training in Australia, Canada, and the USA. His international experience included completion of the Retina Area of Focused Competence (AFC-Diploma) program, and he is the first vitreoretinal surgeon in New Zealand to have his training formally recognised by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (DRCPSC Retina).

Dr Bhikoo is one of only two trained ocular oncologists in New Zealand, with expertise in diagnosing and managing intraocular tumours such as uveal melanoma, ocular metastasis, and intraocular lymphoma. He provides subspecialist care at Auckland Eye, the Greenlane Clinical Centre, and Manukau SuperClinic.

Dr Bhikoo has performed thousands of intraocular procedures and is an expert in refractive cataract and lens exchange surgery. He routinely performs bilateral same-day surgery and offers a wide range of intraocular lens options tailored to each patient’s visual goals. He has particular expertise in managing complex cataracts, especially in eyes with underlying retinal disease or complications from previous surgery.

In 2014, Dr Bhikoo worked with the Fred Hollows Foundation in Fiji to improve cataract surgical outcomes at the Pacific Eye Institute. He holds an honorary academic appointment at the University of Auckland and remains actively involved in clinical research, with publications in both local and international journals.

Known for his clear communication and compassionate approach, Dr Bhikoo takes the time to ensure his patients feel heard, supported, and fully informed—free from overwhelming medical jargon. He is deeply committed to walking alongside individuals facing some of the most serious eye conditions, whether it be loss of vision or life-threatening diagnoses such as uveal melanoma.

Outside of work, he enjoys long-distance running—having completed several marathons in Australia and North America—as well as skiing and touch rugby. Most of all, he cherishes time with his wife and their three young children.

Dr Bhikoo’s areas of expertise

Surgical Retina

Posterior vitreous detachment and floaters
Retinal detachment
Epiretinal membrane (ERM)
Vitreomacular traction (VMT)
Macular hole

Refractive Cataract and Lens Exchange Surgery

Personalised intraocular lens selection, including premium lens options to reduce spectacle dependence
Bilateral same-day surgery available
Sedation provided for a comfortable and stress-free experience

Medical Retina

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Diabetic retinopathy
Retinal vascular occlusions and other vascular diseases

Ocular Oncology

Diagnosis and management of intraocular tumours, including:
- Uveal melanoma (choroidal, ciliary body, and iris)
- Ocular metastasis
- Intraocular lymphoma
Ocular surface and conjunctival tumours