Cataract operations
More than 6,000.
Dr Simon Chen · Sydney
Cataract surgery with the retina in mindCataract surgery
with the retina in mind
Cataract care that considers the health of your whole eye, including your retina.
MBBS, BSc (Hons)St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London
FRANZCOFellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Retinal surgery fellowshipsOxford Eye Hospital · Lions Eye Institute
University of New South WalesAdjunct Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine and Health
Vision Eye InstituteClinical practice, ChatswoodWhat brings you here?
Dr Simon Chen treats conditions of the lens and retina. When both affect vision, they can be considered together in the assessment and treatment plan.
Front of the eyeCataracts & lenses
Cataracts and reducing reliance on glasses.
Explore optionsClose options
Routine and complex cataract surgery, with lens choices planned around the health of the whole eye.
Back of the eyeRetina & floaters
Floaters, distorted vision or a retinal condition.
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Surgery for conditions affecting the vitreous and retina, alongside medical retinal care and intravitreal (eye) injections.
Dr Simon Chen
Cataract and retinal surgeon
Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood.
Learn about Dr Chen’s training, clinical experience, research and approach to explaining your care.
Meet Dr ChenLondonMedical training
Oxford & CambridgeOphthalmology trainingUK & AustraliaSurgical fellowshipsUniversity of New South WalesTeaching & researchVision Eye InstituteClinical practiceTrusted by medical colleagues & their families
More than 170 medical professionals and their closest relatives have trusted Dr Chen with their cataract or retinal surgery.
They include Sydney ophthalmologists (eye surgeons), optometrists, GPs, and nurses.
Over 20 years of cataract & retinal surgery experience
Vitrectomy procedures
More than 4,000.
Intravitreal injections
More than 20,000.
IOL exchanges
More than 200.
YAG laser procedures
More than 500.
Retinal laser procedures
More than 5,000.
Why choose Dr Simon Chen?
Good care starts with listening: how your vision affects your life, what concerns you and what you hope treatment will achieve.
Dr Chen’s aim is to achieve the best result your eyes can safely allow, through careful planning, precise surgery and attentive follow-up. The trust placed in him by patients, referring clinicians and medical colleagues is a responsibility he takes seriously.
Care that feels personal
Eye surgery can feel daunting. Dr Chen wants you to feel welcome, comfortable asking questions and supported at each stage of your care.
Understand before you decide
Clear explanations of your scans, treatment choices and likely recovery help you make an informed decision. Benefits, risks and alternatives deserve time and attention.
Technology with a purpose
Dr Chen’s assessment and surgery draw on a wide range of advanced imaging, laser and surgical systems, from ultra-widefield retinal imaging to femtosecond laser cataract surgery. The choice of technology follows what is useful for your eye, together with clinical judgement and your priorities.
Examples of the technology Dr Chen uses
- Ultra-widefield retinal imaging
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA)
- Fluorescein angiography and autofluorescence imaging
- Optical biometry
- Corneal topography and tomography
- Ocular aberrometry
- Femtosecond laser cataract system
- Digital image guidance for cataract surgery
- Alcon UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS)
- Pattern scanning retinal laser
- Nd:YAG laser
- and more
Clinic and day surgery in one building
Dr Chen’s clinic is on level 3 at Vision Eye Institute Chatswood, and the day surgery is directly above on level 4. Your assessment, surgery and follow-up happen in one building, and for some urgent problems surgery can be arranged very soon after assessment.
Why does experience in both cataract and retinal surgery matter?
Dr Chen combines extensive experience in cataract surgery with fellowship training and an active practice in retinal surgery.
Dr Chen regularly receives referrals from other eye surgeons for cataract surgery in complex or higher-risk eyes, and to manage complications of cataract surgery.
When a retinal surgeon is needed
- Serious complications are uncommon, but some of the most serious problems during or after cataract surgery require a retinal surgeon.
- For patients whose cataract surgeon does not perform retinal surgery, these complications can mean referral to another surgeon and a further operation.
- Dr Chen has the specialist skills to manage these problems himself.
Ready to manage complications
- He performs cataract surgery in operating theatres equipped for both cataract and retinal surgery, supported by nurses trained in these procedures and the use of specialist equipment.
- If a complication arises during surgery, he can treat selected problems in the same operation, where appropriate, potentially avoiding referral to another surgeon and a separate procedure.
Time to understand your options
Discuss the benefits, limitations and trade-offs of treatment, and how the choices relate to your eyes and priorities.
Your consultationResearch and teaching
Clinical research in cataract and retinal disease, alongside university teaching and training for eye-care professionals.
Research and teachingWhat to expect at your visit
1Arrange a visit
Contact Vision Eye Institute for appointments and referral enquiries.
2Understand your eyes
Assessment, questions and a discussion of what matters to you.
3Consider options
Talk through the benefits, trade-offs and an individual plan.
4Plan what follows
Treatment and follow-up, when appropriate, with your care team.
Before your appointment
- Bring your referral, previous scans, current glasses and a list of medications.
- Write down any questions you would like to ask.
- Your eyes may need dilating drops. Arrange someone to drive you home and bring sunglasses.
Watch Dr Chen’s surgery videos
How do I make an appointment with Dr Chen?
Appointments and enquiries through Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood.
Clinic appointments: (02) 9424 9999