DR ALISON CHIU

FRANZCO, PhD, MBBS (Hons),
BMedSc (Hons I), Grad Dip Refractive Surgery

Specialist Eye Surgeon

Dr Alison Chiu is fellowship trained in laser and lens-based refractive surgery including routine and complex cataract surgery, and laser and refractive surgery. This includes refractive lens exchange surgery (clear lens exchange surgery), LASIK, PRK/ASLA, and ICL surgery (implantable collamer lens). She is an expert in refractive vision correction, individualising surgery to patient needs, to provide the best outcome. She has contributed to the success of over 40,000 laser vision corrections performed by surgeons at one of Australia's leading refractive surgical centres, Perfect Vision. She is one of only two Principal Surgeons since its inception in 2002, having served that role from 2014 until 2020. Furthermore, her wealth of expertise and experience in ICL surgery establishes her as an accomplished instructor in the field.

Summary

Dr Chiu completed her medical degree with Honours at the University of Sydney. She also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and following a dedicated research year, graduated with First Class Honours. Dr Chiu has completed a PhD from the University of Sydney, supported by prestigious scholarships at University College London and Cambridge University. She has made significant contributions to peer reviewed publications and authored a book chapter published by Oxford University Press.

Her ophthalmology training was undertaken at Sydney Eye Hospital, with further subspecialty Fellowship training in refractive surgery, including a further post-graduate academic qualification in this field. Dr Chiu has a longstanding commitment medical education, and has been teaching cataract surgery, including complex techniques to trainees since 2013. She is currently undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Education at Harvard University. Beyond her clinical work in private practice and public hospitals she actively participates in advisory boards, clinical trials with Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs and regularly presents at both national and international conferences.

Undergraduate Study

• B. Med. Sc. (First Class Honours), The University of Sydney
• M.B., B.S. (Hons), The University of Sydney

Postgraduate Study

• Ph.D. (Medicine), The University of Sydney (Cambridge University, University College London)
• Fellowship, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
• Graduate Diploma in Refractive Surgery, The University of Sydney
• Graduate Certificate, Leaders of Learning. Harvard University

Clinical Experience

• VMO Nepean Hospital (since 2018)
• VMO Springwood Hospital (since 2015)
• VMO Bankstown Hospital (since 2012)
• VMO (Locum) Concord Hospital (6 months, 2014)
• Fellowship - RefractiveSurgery/ Medical Retina, Macquarie University Hospital
• Accredited ophthalmology training with Sydney Eye Hospital and secondments
• Three years of broad clinical medical experience, one year of experience as basic surgical trainee, one year atmedical registrar level

Academic Appointments

• Conjoint Lecturer – UNSW
• Previous – Lecturer and Tutor – University of Sydney

Clinical Trials

• Lead Consultant Ophthalmologist – Kinghorn Cancer Centre

Governance

• VMO at 3 Public Hospitals
• Councillor, Federal RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists)
• Secretary, Executive Committee, NSW Branch, RANZCO
• Organising Committee, RANZCO NSW ASM 2020, 2023
• Chair of Morbidity and Mortality, NBMLHD
• Interview panel, Registrar position, Bankstown Hospital
• Co-Author - Health Pathways for GPs NBMLHD
• Advisory Board – EyeCare and improving surgical outcomes and satisfaction
• Medical Advisory Committee, private day hospital, Sydney (since 2014)
• National Governance Committee, College of Physicians
• Postgraduate Medical Council, JMO representative (intern)

Teaching Experience

• Examiner, Ophthalmic sciences, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
• Supervisor of Registrar Training, Bankstown Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District
• Conjoint Lecturer, University of New South Wales
• Three years as Anatomy Tutor, Lecturer, Dissection room demonstrator, University of Sydney
• Since 1995 - Formal and informal education of medical students, junior doctors, and other allied health staff

Publications

• Six papers published
• One book chapter published by Oxford University Press
• Five published abstracts
• Writer for Australian Doctor Magazine – Therapy Updates and Case Studies

Presentations

• Invited panelist, international webinar
• Five oral presentations at international conferences, one as invited speaker
• Twelve oral presentations at national conferences, eight as invited speaker
• One poster presentation at a national conference
• One international and one national workshop

Academic

Undergraduate Study

1992 - 1995
B. Med. Sc. (First Class Honours), The University of Sydney

1998 - 2003
M.B., B.S. (Hons), The University of Sydney
Two years deferred during studies to continue and complete PhD

Postgraduate Study

1996 - 2004

Ph.D (Medicine), The University of Sydney. Department of Anatomy and Histology.

"Dental Variation in the Sydney Region: An Odontometric Analysis"

Supervisor: Dr D. Donlon, Senior Lecturer, Department of Anatomy and Histology

Doctoral studies were undertaken on a full-time and part-time basis, and from 1998 concurrently with medical studies (5.0 years full-time equivalent). Fieldwork comprised 6 months data collection at University College London and Cambridge University.

This research produced one published paper, one published abstract, and six conference paper presentations, two of which were by invitation. Multiple research prizes and scholarships were awarded throughout candidature.

2007 - 2012
Vocational Training and Fellowship, RANZCO

2012 - 2013
Graduate Diploma (Refractive Surgery), The University of Sydney

2020-
Graduate Certificate, Leaders and Learning, Harvard University

Academic Appointments

• 2018-present - Conjoint Lecturer - UNSW
• 1995-1998 - Lecturer and Tutor – University of Sydney

Scholarships/Prizes

University 1994

• John Irvine Hunter Prize. Prosectors Competition. Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney. (Specimen currently bottled and on display in the Wilson Museum)

Research 1996

• Australian Postgraduate Award. The Commonwealth Government.
• Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society Scholarship. Awarded to cover attendance costs at international conference.
• Gold Medal. Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society. Awarded for ‘best overall paper presentation’ at international Symposium.

1997

• British Chevening Scholarship. The British Council. Awarded to conduct PhD studies at University College London and Cambridge University for 6 months.

1999

• Postgraduate Travel Grant. Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney.
• Honorary Student Membership. Commendation for submitted paper. The Royal Society (NSW branch).

2000

• Honourable mention, Albert A. Dalhberg Award. Awarded by the Dental Anthropology Association for manuscript presented at international conference.

2002

• PhD/Medicine Scholarship. The Private Practice Fund, The Canberra Hospital.

Clinical Trials

Consultant Ophthalmologist for direct referrals from Kinghorn Cancer Centre (a joint facility of St Vincent’s Hospital and The Garvan Institute) for all clinical trial patients, to detect eye pathology for inclusion to and exclusion from clinical trials, as well as monitoring complications and side effects of trial medications. This involves comprehensive anterior and posterior segment examinations. 

Associate Investigator: Current funding from NHMRC, Supported by The George Institute for Global Health:Best Practice Surgical and Refractive (BRIGhT)management strategy for cataract, which combines expedited sequential cataract surgery and provision of necessary refractive correction through updated spectacle lenses within 2 weeks of second eye surgery. Site SWSLHD.

Current funding application for Translational Research Grants Scheme, Supported by Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI): A Vision for Integrated hospital and community management of chronic eye diseases: Effectiveness and adaptability of Community-Eye-Care (C-EYE-C) - does it promote access, is it cost-effective and does it meet patients’ needs?

Governance

2022

• Advisory Board,Eye Care and improving surgical outcomes and satisfaction

2022 - present

• Councillor, Federal RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists)

2022

• Organising Committee, RANZCO NSW ASM. Newcastle 2023

2020 - present

• Secretary, Executive Committee, NSW Branch RANZCO

2018 - 2019

• Member, Executive Committee,NSW Branch Royal Australianand New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists

2019

• Organising Committee, RANZCO NSW ASM. Newcastle 2020

2018 - present

• Chair of Morbidity and Mortality, NBMLHD

2013/2015/2018 - present

• VMO at 3 Public Hospitals with active involvement in Departmental Meetings

2014-present

Medical Advisory Committee, private day hospital, Sydney

2006

National Governance Committee, College of Physicians

2004

Postgraduate Medical Council, JMO representative (intern)

Clinical Experience

2018 to present

• VMO Ophthalmologist, Nepean Hospital

2015 to present

• VMO Ophthalmologist, Springwood Hospital

2013 to present

• VMO Ophthalmologist, Bankstown Hospital

2013 to present

• Private Practice, General Ophthalmologist with subspecialty interest in refractive surgery

Mar 2014-Oct 2014

• Locum VMO Ophthalmologist, Concord General Repatriation Hospital

2012

• Ophthalmology Fellow, Macquarie University Hospital Medical Retina, Glaucoma,Refractive Surgery

Accredited Ophthalmology Registrar–Sydney Eye Hospital & Rotations

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006 ST VINCENT’S HOSPITAL, SYDNEY

2004-2005 ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED HOSPITAL, SYDNEY

Examinations

2010

• Pass in Advanced Clinical Examination (RACE)
  One of only 2 NSW candidates of the 2010 cohort to obtain a clear pass

2009

• Pass in Advanced Ophthalmic Pathology

2007 - 2008

• Completed Part 1 RANZCO modules:
  • Pass in Anatomy, Physiology, Optics, OBCK
  • Pass in Basic Pathology, Epidemiology, Genetics, Microbiology and Virology, Pharmacology

Courses

2007

• Ophthalmic Anatomy: UNSW

2006

• Sydney Eye Hospital Registrar Lecture Program
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

2005

• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons: Early Management of Severe Trauma
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons: Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient

2004

• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons: Basic Surgical Skills Course

Teaching Experience

2022 - present

• Supervisor of Registrar training, Bankstown Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District

2018 - present

• Examiner, Ophthalmic Sciences, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists

2018 - present

• Co-Supervisor of Registrar training, Bankstown Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District

2018 - present

• UNSW, Conjoint Lecturer

2013 - present

• Supervision and training of ophthalmology registrars, as well as junior medical staff and allied health staff, predominantly through public hospital appointments.

2007 - 2011

• Medical student / Overseas Elective student / RMO supervisor, POWH, RNSH Formal teaching in SCORPIOs and daily informal teaching to students and junior medical staff.

2004 - 2006

• Medical Student Supervisor, St Vincent's and Liverpool Hospitals / UNSW Daily informal teaching to resident medical officers and interns and medical students as Medical Registrar and Resident

1995-1996 and 1998

• DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY AND HISTOLOGY, THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
  Anatomy Tutor, Lecturer, Dissection room demonstrator
  Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry and Science

Publications

• Chiu, A.L.S, Tan, D.T.H, Howes.  F, Tenen, A. Corbett, Andrea, A. Males, J. Expanding the Surgical Practice of the General Ophthalmologist—Surgical Correction of Refractive Error. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 2023, 50(8): 867-868.
• Chiu A.L.S. Gatinel, D. Howes.  F, Tenen, A. Corbett, D. Catt, C. Males, J. Snibson, G.Expanding the Surgical Practice of the General Ophthalmologist – Correction of Refractive Error. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 2022, 49(8): 816. 
• Chiu A.L.S,Lockington, D. Ang, A.Apel, A.J.G.Lahood, B.R. Sutton, G.Harrisberg, B. Improving refractive outcomes in Pseudophakic Patients – Secondary sulcus piggyback lenses, IOL exchange, and toric lens use. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 2022, 49(8): 836.
  
• 2018-present  Ophthalmology contributor – “Australian Doctor” magazine. Paper and digital print circulated to over 20,000 General Practitioners 
  A GPs guide to the impact of digital screens on young eyes. 17 April 2018 
  Therapy update: diagnosis and management of dry eye for GPs. 25 October 2019 
• Thurtell MJ, Chiu ALS, Goold LA, Akdal G, Cromptom JL, Ahmed R, Madge SN, Selva D, Francis I, Ghabrial R, Ananda A, Gibson J, Chan R, Thompson EO, Rodriguez M, McCluskey PJ, Halmagyi GM. Neuro-ophthalmology of invasive fungal sinusitis: 14 consecutive patients and a review of the literature. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 2013,41(6): 567-576.
• Choy E.T., Chiu, A., Young, J., Butow, P., and Spillane, A. (2005) A pilot study to evaluate the impact on patient outcomes of involving breast cancer patients in the multidisciplinary clinic discussion of their surgery results and treatment. ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2005; 75 (s1): A31. Abstract. 
• Chiu, A.L.S, and Robertson, M. Chapter 38: Psychiatric Trauma. In: Sherry, E., Trieu, L. and Templeton, J. (eds.)Trauma. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 2003; 632-644. 
• Chiu, A.L.S. Forensic and anthropological aspects of variation in dental metrics in two contemporary Australian populations.American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 2000; 30 (Suppl): 123. Abstract. 
• Chiu, A.L.S. and Donlon, D. Anthropological and Forensic Aspects of Odontometric Variation in Two Contemporary Australian Populations. Journal of the Dental Anthropology Association. 2000; 14 (2): 20-37. 
• Chiu, A.L.S., Sherry, E. and Phung, X. Accessibility of clinical information on the web: Just try to be specific. Nature. 1999; 401 (6749): 111. 
• Keay K.A., Crowfoot L.J., Floyd N.S., Henderson L.A., Christie M.J. and Bandler R. (1997) Cardiovascular effects of microinjections of opioid agonists into the 'Depressor Region' of the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray region. Brain Research.1997; 762(1-2):61-71. Acknowledgement for experimental work

Conference Presentations

2023

RANZCO Congress 2023 Perth
Chair Dr SmitaAgarwal - Presbyopia unlocked. Professor Dan Reinstein, Dr Tanya Trinh, Dr Jacqueline Beltz, Dr Alison Chiu, Dr ChameenSamawickrama, Dr Ben Lahood, Dr Smita Agarwal
Speaker - – Presbyopia: How do we discuss options with patients and pros and cons

2023

ICL Surgery and the patient journey, patient selection and post operative management.
Launch of inaugural national Optometry education program and Optometry CPD Seminar with Q & A

2023

European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Vienna

Scientific Symposium – State of the art IOL based solutions in cataract and refractive surgery: Unique Applications of 1stQ AddOn sulcus IOLs

2023

Australian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (AUSCRS)
Co-chair andSpeaker ,“Improving refractive outcomes”.

Chiu, A.L.S and Males, J. Unique Applications of Secondary Supplementary Sulcus IOLs

2023

Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS) – Singapore

Scientific Symposium - State of the art IOL based solutions in cataract and refractive surgery: POB-MA toric, a premium option for astigmatism correction during cataract and refractive surgery.

2023

Dry Eye – update to management. 3May. Optometry CPDSeminar

2023

NSW RANZCO ASM

Refractive Update – The Dr Con Moshegov Memorial Lecture –
Angle Kappa and Alpha: does it matter?

2022

Dry Eye – update to management. Optometry CPD Seminar8 November. Bupa seminar

2022

RANZCO Congress 2022 Brisbane

Chair of Symposium Session- Expanding the Surgical Practice of the General Ophthalmologist – Correction of Refractive Error. Professor Donald Tan, Dr Frank Howes, Dr Abi Tenen, Dr Dean Corbett, Dr John Males, Dr Andrea Ang

Speaker - Extreme measures: Treatment of the patient with high refractive error (implantable collamer lenses, laser options, refractive lens exchange)

2022

What drives innovation? Dr Alison Chiu (Chair and speaker). Professor Richard Hopkins, Dr David Gunn, Dr Ben Lahood. Alcon

2022

ESCRS Milan Clinical Applications of 1stQ AddOn IOLs(Booth talk)

2022

AUSCRS Chair session “Avoiding problems after cataract surgery”

Prof Helen Danesh-Meyer, Prof Gerd Auffarth, Dr Lukas Sahhar, Dr Michael Loughnan, Dr Nathan Kerr, Dr Colin Clement, Dr Deus Bigirimana.

EVOlution in visual freedom. ICL Surgery pearls. Dr Nick Mantell (moderator), Dr Alison Chiu, Dr Patrick Versace.

1stQ

AddOn secondary sulcus supplementary lenses. Dr Brain Harrisberg (Moderator), Dr Alison Chiu, Dr Cameron McLintock, Dr Andrew Apel.

2022

Eyes wide shut: HIV Ophthalmic manifestations of HIV. HIV Sexual Health HI22GPMP
Conference.19-20 August 2022, Canberra, Australia. Invited Speaker

2020

Chiu, A.Panelist, With Dr Kjell Gunnar Gundersen, Dr Brian Harrisberg, Dr Cameron McClintock, Dr Derek De Wit: 1st Q AddOn State-of-the-art IOL technologies for the sulcus. Medicontur Group. International Zoom Webinar. 2 July 2020

2019

Chiu, A. Dry eye treatment to optimise cataract surgery outcomes. Synergeyes. 29-30 June 2019, Melbourne, Australia. Invited speaker.

Chiu, A.Risks and Benefits for Physical Development: Vision.Digital Environments and Developing Minds: Research Strategies for Professionals, Producers and Policy Makers. The 1st Annual Children and the Media National Conference. 28 October 2019. Sydney, Australia. Invited speaker.

2005

Choy, E., Chiu, A., Young, J., Butow, P. and Spillane, A. A pilot study to evaluate the impact on patient outcomes of involving breast cancer patients in the multidisciplinary clinic discussion of their surgery results and treatment. Annual Scientific Congress, Australasian College of Surgeons. 13-15 May 2005, Perth, Australia.

2004

Choy, E., Chiu, A., Young, J., Butow, P. and Spillane, A. A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Impact on Patient Outcomes of Involving Breast Cancer Patients in the Multidisciplinary Clinic Discussion of their Surgery - Results And Treatment Plan. Leura V: International Breast Cancer Conference, Breast Cancer Institute. 10-14 November 2004, Sydney, Australia. Poster presentation.

2000

Chiu, A.L.S.Forensic and anthropological aspects of variation in dental metrics in two contemporary Australian populations.American Association of Physical Anthropologists. 69th Annual Meeting, 12-15 April, 2000. San Antonio, Texas, USA.

1999

Sherry, E., Oliver, C., Phung, X., Trieu, L., Yuan, J., Chiu, A.L.S., Viswanathan, S., Gorman, J. and Peach, P. Workshop: Orthopaedics and the Internet.Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie (SICOT). 21st Triennial World Congress. 18-23 April, 1999. Sydney, Australia.

Chiu, A.L.S.Race and sex determination in dental anthropology. 16th Annual Forensic Anthropology and Dental Identification Course. 3-7 May, 1999. New South Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine, Sydney, Australia. Invited speaker.

Chiu, A.L.S.The value of dental measurements for forensic identification.

International Association of Forensic Sciences. 15th Triennial Meeting. 22-28 August, 1999. Los Angeles, California, USA.

Chiu, A.L.S.Forensic and anthropological aspects of variation in dental metrics in two contemporary Australian populations. Australasian Society for Human Biology. 13th Annual Conference. 6-9 December, 1999. Sydney, Australia.

1998

Chiu, A.L.S.Race determination in dental anthropology. 15th Annual Forensic Anthropology and Dental Identification Course. 27 April-1 May, 1998. New South Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine, Sydney, Australia. Invited speaker.

Sherry, E., Phung, X., Trieu, L., Yuan, J. , Gorman, J. and Chiu, A.L.S.Workshop: “Orthosearch” and “WorldOrtho”: Valuable Internet resources for Orthopaedic Surgeons.Australian OrthopaedicAssocation. 11-16 October, 1998. Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

1996

Chiu, A.L.S.The value of dental measurements for forensic identification. Australian and New Zealand International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences. 13th Biennial meeting. 8-13 September, 1996. Sydney, Australia.

Meetings Attended

• Neuro - ophthalmology Society of Australia. 21^stAnnual Clinical and Scientific Meeting, November 2005 Sydney.
• Medical Retina and Uveitis. 21^stAnnual Registrar’s Conference, Save Sight Institute and Sydney Eye Hospital, 2007
• Cornea and External Eye disease. 22^ndAnnual Registrar’s Conference, Save Sight Institute and Sydney Eye Hospital, 2008
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, Melbourne 2008
• 23^rd Annual Registrar’s Conference, Save Sight Institute and Sydney Eye Hospital, 2009
• Medical and Surgical Retina. 24^th Annual Registrar’s Conference, Save Sight Institute and Sydney Eye Hospital, 2010
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, Adelaide 2010
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, Canberra 2011
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, Melbourne 2012
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, Melbourne 2016
• Ophthalmology Updates Conference, Sydney 2017
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) Course 2017
• RANZCO NSW Branch Meeting and International Society of Ocular Oncology, Sydney 2017
• 35^th Annual ANZ Cornea Society and Eye Bank Meeting, Sydney 2018
• Management of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Polypoidal Vasculopathy, and Retinal Vein Occlusions, Sydney 2018
• Synergeyes, Sydney 2018
• Sydney Eye Hospital Alumni Association Meeting 2018
• Future Directions in Ophthalmology, Medical Management of Retinal Disease, Melbourne 2018
• Ophthalmology Updates Conference, Sydney 2018
• RANZCO NSW Branch Meeting, Sydney 2019
• Global Retina Meeting: Treatment update, Sydney 2019
• Synergeyes, Melbourne 2019
• Ophthalmology Updates Conference, Sydney 2019
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, Sydney2019
• Australian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, (Virtual)2021
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, (Virtual)2021
• FOCUS Cataract Refractive Symposium, Sydney 2022
• AUSCRS, Noosa 2022
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, 2022 Brisbane
• ESCRS, Milan 2022
• NSW RANZCO 2023
• APACRS, Singapore 2023
• AUSCRS, Port Douglas 2023
• ESCRS, Vienna 2023
• RANZCO Annual General Meeting and Scientific Congress, 2023 Perth

Leadership Roles

2018 – present

• RANZCO State Branch Member, Executive Committee
• Chair of Morbidity and Mortality, NBMLHD

2014 - present

• Member of Medical Advisory Committee, Private Day Surgery Facility, Sydney

2013 - present

• Ophthalmology VMO in Public Hospitals - Modelling a high standard of professional behaviour.
• Teaching and Supervision of accredited and unaccredited Ophthalmology Registrars

2007 - 2011

• Ophthalmology Registrar, Teaching and supervision of medical students, elective students and residents

2006

• National Governance Committee, College of Physicians

2004 - 2005

• Experience with audit and quality assurance in collating and presenting morbidity and mortality data over several clinical rotations

2004

• Internship: Postgraduate Medical Council, JMO representative

Professional Memberships and Subscriptions

• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
• Australian Medical Association (AMA)
• Australian Society of Ophthalmologists(ASO)
• Australasian Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (AUSCRS)
• European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
• Asia-Pacific Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS)
• Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
• Focal Points