About John’s career

John started his ophthalmology career by chance when he took up a casual locum position as a senior house officer at the West of England Eye Infirmary in Exeter, England. One thing led to another, and John stayed on for 18 months, by which time he had seen the light and committed himself to a career in ophthalmology.

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After a brief stint studying in Bristol, England, while his wife Lizzie trained as a midwife, John returned to New Zealand to undertake formal training in ophthalmology in the Auckland/Hamilton rotation of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO). After four years of training, John distinguished himself in the fellowship exams by winning the medal for excellence as the best candidate in Australia and New Zealand. John then undertook special training in paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, spending time at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, before completing a 12-month fellowship at the prestigious Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

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John took up his consultant position at Waikato Hospital in 1994 and entered the Hamilton Eye Clinic in 1997. He now has more than 20 years of experience as a consultant ophthalmologist. He has a busy general ophthalmology adult practice, including all the normal conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and strabismus.

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John has been actively involved in teaching ophthalmology trainees for many years. He previously led the Physiology Basic Science Examination Board at the RANZCO.

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About John

Sometimes, John thinks he has too many interests! He likes to catch fish whenever he can, both salt and freshwater. John grows many of his own vegetables and has a workshop where he tries to make different things with wood. Married with two adult children, John keeps fit by trying to run. 

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