Dr Chan studied medicine and surgery at the University of Melbourne, after being awarded the prestigious Melbourne National Scholarship. After graduating with honours, he underwent general ophthalmology training at the Sydney Eye Hospital. After completing a fellowship in comprehensive ophthalmology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, he undertook additional sub-specialty fellowship training in Oculoplastics Surgery in Liverpool, UK and the Singapore National Eye Centre in Singapore. Dr Chan also has a special interest in refractive surgery, having completed a Graduate Diploma in Refractive Surgery at the University of Sydney.
Dr Chan has a strong interest in clinical research and teaching. He has published multiple papers in local and international peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at international conferences such as the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society and the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He regularly attends international meetings to stay at the forefront of current techniques and technology. He is involved teaching registrars and medical students, having been appointed as a conjoint associate lecturer at both the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales.
In addition to English, Dr Chan is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.
I knew I wanted to be a surgeon as I was good with my hands and enjoyed hands-on work. I found the eye to be a fascinating part of the body and loved operating on something small and delicate. It is a privilege to be able to use my skills and knowledge to improve patients’ and relieve their symptoms.
Cataract surgery as it is wonderful to have the ability to significantly improve someone’s vision with minimal discomfort.
I have learnt from many wonderful teachers who have helped me to become the specialist surgeon that I am today. I enjoy explaining information in a clear and understandable way so that patients can feel empowered about how they are cared for.
I had an elderly patient who had a blocked tear drainage and so she had a constantly watery eye. This can be treated successfully with tear duct surgery which is performed inside the nose so that there is no external scar. She unfortunately had a very severe (almost fatal) nose bleed when she was younger and thus was so scared to have surgery such that she put up with the watering for decades. I explained the condition and surgery to her in detail, and reassured her that the surgery is very safe with modern advanced techniques. She summoned her courage to have the surgery which was successful with no complications. She was overjoyed that the watery eye that bothered her for decades was finally resolved. I will always remember the lovely card she wrote afterwards, thanking me for my care and skills, and wishing that she had met me many years earlier. Being able to help someone in such a profound way is the best part of being a doctor.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my 3 year old daughter and seeing her learn new things every day. Being an ophthalmologist’s daughter, it was fun watching her learn the name of eye conditions when she was just 2 years old!
RPAH Medical Centre
Suite G8, 100 Carillon Avenue
Newtown, NSW, 2042
Monday to Friday
8:00am-5:00pm
