St John of God Subiaco Eye Hospital becomes first private facility in WA to install innovative microscope

28 Mar 2024

Left to right: St John of God Subiaco Eye Hospital caregivers Naomi Kentfield and Lucy Brown with Ophthalmologist Dr Olivia MacVie. They are pictured with the ZEISS OPMI LUMERA 700 RESCAN Microscope.

The state-of-the-art device is suitable for all ophthalmic procedures. It provides unparalleled vision for ophthalmologists, helping to enhance procedural efficiencies and accuracy, as well as decision making and surgical outcomes.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Ophthalmologist Dr Olivia MacVie said that using the microscope, ophthalmologists can access optical coherence tomography (OCT), an emerging technology used to create high-resolution cross-section images of tissue structure on the micron scale in real-time. 

“OCT allows ophthalmologists to see the retina’s distinctive layers and map and measure their thickness. This helps to guide diagnosis and treatment for a range of conditions including cataracts, glaucoma and retinal disease such as age-related macular degeneration,” she said. 

“As you can imagine, eye surgery requires an incredible amount of precision. Through enhanced three dimensional images, we are better able to make quick and informed decisions during surgery that can improve accuracy and positively influence outcomes for our patients.

“St John of God Subiaco Eye Hospital already benefits from the expertise of 38 of the State’s leading ophthalmologists. And I am confident that even more specialists will choose to admit their patients to the hospital knowing that this innovative device is available to them.”

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Director of Medical Services Dr David McCoubrie added that St John of God Health Care is committed to ensuring specialists and caregivers receive the support they need to deliver the highest standard of care to the community.

“Continued investment in the eye hospital will allow us to provide leading ophthalmic care now and into the future. It will also build on our organisation’s long history of innovation and investment in leading edge technology.

“The facility is equipped with the latest ophthalmic technologies and equipment to support best possible patient outcomes and to enable our hospital’s ophthalmologists to perform the latest, most innovative procedures.”

A third operating theatre in the eye hospital will soon be commissioned which will permanently house the microscope. The commissioning of the theatre will allow increased numbers of procedures to be performed at the facility and the continued expansion of St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s ophthalmology service.

Since opening in late 2022, more than 5,000 members of the Western Australian community have been cared for at the eye hospital.

Dr MacVie said the new facility has enhanced the hospital experience for patients undergoing eye procedures and treatments.

“As the hospital is dedicated to just one specialty, we have been able to streamline patients’ hospital experiences and ensure they receive the highest standard of care and services,” she said.

“Care is delivered by caregivers who are specially trained in ophthalmic procedures, and benefit from the guidance and support of an onsite clinical nurse educator who has introduced a comprehensive training and professional development program. 

“I am very grateful that I am able to admit my patients to a dedicated eye hospital that is committed to delivering excellent and safe clinical care, with compassion.”