Dr Peter Davies (Ophthalmologist)
- Name
- Dr Peter Edward John Davies
- Qualifications
- Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery 1995
- Occupation
- Ophthalmologist
- Gender
- Male
- Medical Specialties
- Ophthalmology
- Links
- http://www.huntereyesurgeons.com.au/
- Phone
- 02 4967 6677
A medical team led by Dr Peter Davies has published a world-first scientific paper on new laser technology used in cataract surgery. Newcastle Eye Hospital was the first hospital in the Hunter Valley to use the technology.
The Newcastle Eye Hospital Research Foundation partnered with the Launceston Eye Institute and the results have been published in the prestigious medical journal, Ophthalmology.
Dr Davies said the research helps eye doctors decide how and when to implement this technology.
“This achievement means that Newcastle is now recognised internationally for quality eye research. Newcastle is world renowned for general medical research, so it is a real achievement that our specialist eye work is noticed too” Dr Davies said.
The Newcastle-based team is currently conducting several research projects, including trials of new treatments to preserve vision in diabetic patients with cataract, and other systemic disorders.
The research foundation has been accredited to international research standards, and is working alongside leading eye centres around the world.
“The Hunter region has many outstanding ophthalmologists, nursing teams and technicians.” said Dr Davies “The Newcastle Eye Hospital Research Foundation was established in 2012 with the goal of focusing those capabilities on eye and vision research. We have achieved a lot so far”
The evaluation of laser cataract surgery included the world’s first published images of a human cataract cut by the femtosecond laser.
“This is a very exciting breakthrough”, Dr Peter Davies said. “Our electron microscope images and clinical results are helping industry to make this technology safer, along scientific guidelines.
“When new technology is released, the first question asked is, ‘Is it safer?’ And when the technology is safer, ‘is it better?’
“Right now, our evaluation shows that laser cataract surgery is not better for everyone. This is good news for patients. The laser is a significant cost for them, a cost that we now know could be unnecessary for an individual patient.”
A cataract is cloudiness of the natural lens inside the eye. A femtosecond laser was developed to assist the surgeon with cataract surgery. The laser pre-treats the eye, which reduces the amount of ultrasound energy required to break up the cataract.
“Previously published studies were overwhelmingly positive for the laser” Dr Davies said. “The advantage of our paper is that we compared two groups of patients, those having the laser and those having traditional manual surgery. We can therefore accurately compare the differences in the two groups, and more clearly understand benefits and harms of the laser.
“This is a large well designed study, so the results are important for doctors all around the world.
“We are receiving enquiries from Doctors everywhere asking for more information.
“It is a great honour to be involved in leading-edge science which aims to benefit the outcomes of eye surgery patients in our region and around the globe.”
- Hospital Affiliations
- John Hunter Hospital
- Kurri Kurri Hospital
- Newcastle Eye Hospital
- Affiliated Clinics
- Hunter Eye Surgeons - Waratah
- Hunter Eye Surgeons - Maitland
- Medical Conditions
- Macular degeneration
- Cataract
- Topics
- Retina Surgery
- Pterygium Surgery
Practice Locations
Newcastle
- Hunter Eye Surgeons - Maitland
- Address
- 213 High St
Maitland NSW 2320
Australia
- Phone
- 02 4933 5384
- Hunter Eye Surgeons - Waratah
- Address
- 182 Christo Road
Waratah NSW 2298
Australia
- Phone
- 02 4967 6677
- Fax
- 02 4967 6611
