June 11, 2010

Ophthalmology Services at West Coast District Health Board

After a Request for Proposal (tender) process, the West Coast District Health Board is to change Ophthalmology service provider for Greymouth and Westland Districts from 1 July 2010.

The new provider is Southern Eye Specialists, a group of eight ophthalmologists based in Christchurch. Having a number of specialists means that this group is able to offer a wider variety of subspecialty services to West Coast patients.

The District Health Board would like to publically thank Dr Malcolm McKellar of Christchurch, the previous visiting ophthalmologist, for his service to eye patients on the West Coast. A combination of economic circumstances and service development opportunities has led to the change in providers.

West Coast eye patients will continue to receive their outpatient appointments in the same manner as previously occurred, with the only obvious difference being the specialist attending.

Ophthalmology services for the Buller District were retendered at the same time; however the provider of this service remains unchanged (Dr Antony Suter and the Rutherford Clinic).

Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone: (03) 769-0499, Extn 2665#
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: