Dr Simon Irvine is an Ophthalmologist who specialises in cataract surgery and general ophthalmology.
His areas of special interest are cataract surgery with customisation of the refractive outcome to suit individual visual requirements and occupational needs, glaucoma management, angle closure glaucoma, pterygium, eyelid and squint surgery, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration and nutritional aspects of eye disease.
Dr Irvine graduated from University of Western Australia with distinction in 1986 and completed ophthalmology surgical training at Sydney Eye Hospital. He also trained as a senior registrar based at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Simon operates privately at Delmar and Chatswood Private Hospital.
Simon volunteers his time for the RANZCO Myanmar Eye Care Program and other ophthalmic charities in India. He finds this work immensely fulfilling in helping promote eye health in third world countries.
Dr Simon Irvine established The Eye Clinic with Dr Graeme Johnson at Manly in 2001 as a general and comprehensive ophthalmic service to the area after previously working at Bathurst and Lithgow. Since 2023, The Eye Clinic has joined and fused with Northern Beaches Cataract Retina Glaucoma.
Professional and Personal Q&A with Dr Simone Irvine:
Why did you become an Ophthalmologist?
“I like really small things. An operating microscope suits me.”
What is your favourite procedure and why?
“Pterygium removal. It requires adherence to traditional surgical principles to get good results.”
Was there an important person in the field of Ophthalmology that inspired you?
“I really feel grateful to my many teachers through life and in medicine. The list of people I admire and evaluate would be a very long list.”
Do you have an unforgettable work experience or a memorable patient story?
“Sure. Working in Lithgow I asked patient with cataracts: “do you drive a car?”. She answered: “Oh, no, I don’t drive”, but her husband piped up and added: “Oh, yes, she does – I just hold the wheel.”
What are your hobbies or what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
“Body surfing, Ballroom Dancing, long bike rides.”