Retinal conditions and treatment
Retinal assessment, surgery and injection treatment with Dr Simon Chen, guided by your symptoms and the health of your eye.
When should I see a retinal specialist?
You may have noticed a change in your vision, or been referred with a retinal condition. Dr Chen will assess your symptoms, examine your eye and explain the options for your care.
New flashing lights, a sudden increase in floaters, new distortion or sudden blurred vision need prompt advice. A shadow, curtain or sudden loss of vision needs urgent assessment.
When to seek urgent assessment- FloatersSpots, strands or cobwebs in your vision
- Age-related macular degenerationAssessment and ongoing macular care
- Flashing lightsNew flashes need prompt assessment
- Epiretinal membranesA membrane affecting central vision
- DistortionStraight lines appearing bent or wavy
- Blurred visionAn examination to identify the cause
When should I seek urgent assessment?
New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain, or sudden loss of vision need urgent assessment.
Phone Vision Eye Institute directly. If the clinic is closed or you cannot be assessed promptly, attend your nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment or an online reply.
Call the clinic: 02 9424 9999Which retinal conditions does Dr Chen treat?
Floaters and floater surgery
Assessment, laser treatment and vitrectomy for persistent floaters, with urgent advice for sudden changes.
→Epiretinal membrane
Distortion at the centre, OCT assessment, and vitrectomy with membrane peel.
→Macular hole & VMT
A small gap at the centre of vision, and the choice between watching and surgery.
→Retinal tears & detachment
Warning signs that need same-day contact, laser for a tear, surgery for a detachment.
→Macular degeneration
Dry and wet AMD, assessment, and what eye injections involve.
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Combined cataract and retinal surgery
Cataract surgery and vitrectomy in one operation, and when staging is better.
→Retinal vein occlusion
A blocked retinal vein, assessment of its effects and treatment for swelling when needed.
→Eye injection treatment
How treatment is given, monitoring and planning your visits.
→How are retinal conditions treated?
Vitrectomy surgery
Discuss the purpose of surgery, its trade-offs and what follow-up may involve.
Eye injections
For selected retinal conditions, with a treatment plan discussed with your specialist.
Retinal laser
An option for particular retinal problems, guided by the examination and diagnosis.
One surgeon for your retinal and cataract care.
Dr Chen has over 20 years of experience in cataract and retinal surgery, with an active surgical practice in both.
This means your retinal treatment is planned with your future cataract care in mind.
Planning beyond the retinal operation
- Vitrectomy, an operation that removes the gel inside the eye to treat the retina, often speeds up cataract development in eyes that still have their natural lens.
- Cataract surgery after vitrectomy can also be more technically demanding because of changes within the eye.
- Dr Chen regularly performs cataract surgery in eyes that have had vitrectomy.
- His experience in both procedures informs the surgical plan, the choice of replacement lens and the timing of treatment.
More options, with continuity of care
- When appropriate, Dr Chen can personally perform cataract and retinal surgery together in one operation.
- If separate operations are preferable, he can provide both stages of treatment.
- You have access to both approaches with one surgeon who knows your eye, understands the previous surgery and oversees your ongoing care.
The choice depends on your retinal condition, the health of your lens and your visual needs.
Combining the operations is not appropriate for every eye.
Read Dr Chen’s practical review of cataract surgery in patients with retinal disease →
How do I prepare for a retinal appointment?
Testing and examination take time, and most retinal appointments involve dilating drops.
The drops blur vision and increase light sensitivity for several hours. Plan around that practical reality: bring sunglasses, and do not drive straight after the appointment. Retinal scans and photographs are often taken so that changes can be measured over time.
What should I bring?
- Your referral and any previous scans
- Current glasses
- A list of medications, including blood thinners
- Someone to drive you home
Many retinal conditions are managed alongside your optometrist or GP. Findings and plans are communicated back so that everyone involved in your care is working from the same picture.
Watch Dr Chen’s surgery videos
Common questions about retinal care
When should I call rather than book online?
New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain, or sudden loss of vision need urgent assessment. Call Vision Eye Institute on 02 9424 9999. If the clinic is closed or you cannot be assessed promptly, attend your nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment or an online reply.
Will I need dilating drops?
Almost always. They allow a proper view of the retina and macula. Expect blurred vision and light sensitivity for a few hours; bring sunglasses and arrange transport.
What is an intravitreal injection like?
The eye is numbed with drops and the injection itself takes seconds. Most people describe pressure rather than pain. Treatment is usually a course, with the interval adjusted to the eye.
Do floaters need surgery?
Usually not. Most floaters settle or become less noticeable. Surgery is considered when they persistently interfere with daily life, and the trade-offs are discussed candidly.
The difference between wet and dry AMD explains the medical names, how wet disease develops on underlying AMD, and which forms can be treated with injections.
How do I make an appointment with Dr Chen to discuss a retinal condition?
Appointments and enquiries are made through Vision Eye Institute Chatswood.
Level 3, 270 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067For new flashes, suddenly increased floaters, a shadow or curtain, or sudden loss of vision, follow the urgent assessment advice above.
For referrers
Optometrists, GPs and ophthalmologists can refer through Oculo or with the PDF referral form.
Vision Eye Institute confirms your appointment after you submit your request. The request form is not for emergencies. A referral is not strictly essential to request an appointment, but you need a valid one to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation.