Who Performs Micro Surgery for Macular Holes in Canberra? A Patient's Guide to Finding the Right Retina Surgeon
- drrahuldubey
- Dec 18
- 9 min read
If you are asking who performs micro surgery for macular holes in Canberra, you are likely searching for a retina surgeon you can trust. A macular hole affects the eye’s centre of vision, so choosing the right specialist is not just a medical decision, it is a quality-of-life decision that influences how clearly you read, drive, and recognise faces. This guide explains what a retina subspecialist does, how macular hole repair works, and which practical criteria matter most in Canberra and the surrounding region. You will also learn how Dr Rahul Dubey, an experienced Australian-trained Ophthalmologist with a special interest in retinal diseases, provides comprehensive care that integrates precision retinal surgery with advanced cataract surgery (including femtosecond laser) for tailored results.
Because timely care is essential, this article focuses on clear, actionable steps you can take now. You will find concise checklists, transparent expectations about the surgical journey, and real-world examples that reflect life in Canberra’s suburbs and our rural and regional communities. Along the way, you will see how a modern vitreoretinal service coordinates diagnostics, surgery, and follow-up so you can move forward with confidence. If you prefer straightforward answers without jargon, you are in the right place.
Who performs micro surgery for macular holes in Canberra?
Micro surgery for a macular hole is performed by a vitreoretinal Ophthalmologist, often called a retina surgeon. This is a medical doctor who has completed specialist Ophthalmology training and additional fellowship training in diseases of the vitreous and retina. In Canberra, you should look for a surgeon who regularly performs pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel, which is the standard technique for macular hole repair according to peer-reviewed literature and national registry reports. Experience, outcomes, and accessibility all matter, particularly when your central vision is on the line and timing may influence prognosis.
Dr Rahul Dubey is an experienced Australian-trained Ophthalmologist with a special interest in retinal diseases who provides both medical and surgical care for vitreomacular disorders. His practice offers micro surgery for macular hole and epiretinal membrane, treatment for retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy, expertise in inflammatory eye disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and a commitment to rural and regional ophthalmology services. Importantly for patients who also have lens opacity, advanced cataract surgery (including femtosecond laser) is available; any gap payments or insurance arrangements depend on your cover and will be discussed during consultation. Retinal surgery is performed expertly and urgently with streamlined pathways to reduce vision risk.
Key credentials to expect
Specialist registration as an Ophthalmologist and fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery.
Regular performance of macular hole vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peel and gas tamponade.
Access to advanced diagnostics such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-resolution imaging.
Clear post-operative protocols, including face-down positioning instructions when required and structured follow-up.
Strong coordination with local optometrists and general practitioner (GP) referrers for continuity of care.
What exactly is a macular hole and how is it repaired?
The macula is the central, most light-sensitive area of your retina. A macular hole is a tiny break in that area, typically caused by age-related traction as the vitreous gel separates from the retina. Think of it as a pinhole in the centre of a camera sensor, blurring what you want most to see clearly. Symptoms often include central blurring, a dark spot, or distortion of lines. Diagnosis is made with optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses harmless light waves to show a detailed cross-section of the retina. Staging on optical coherence tomography (OCT) helps predict success rates and guide timing.
Surgery involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), where microscopic instruments remove the vitreous gel, followed by delicate peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) to release traction and stimulate closure. A gas bubble, commonly sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) or perfluoropropane (C3F8), is then placed in the eye to support healing. Many surgeons ask for short-term face-down positioning to keep the bubble in contact with the macula. Modern studies report primary closure rates of around 90 to 95 percent, with vision often improving over weeks to months as the retina heals. Factors such as hole size and duration influence outcomes, so timely assessment is prudent.
How do you choose the right retina surgeon in Canberra?
Your decision should balance credentials, communication, convenience, and continuity of care. Credentials confirm the surgeon’s training and experience, while communication ensures you understand your diagnosis and options in plain language. Convenience covers clinic locations, parking, and scheduling that works for your life in Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, Queanbeyan, and beyond. Continuity ensures your follow-up is well coordinated with your optometrist and general practitioner (GP), especially if you live in the Snowy Monaro, Yass Valley, Goulburn, or on the South Coast. When these factors align, your experience is smoother and your confidence grows.
Questions to ask at your consultation
How many macular hole repairs do you perform each year, and what are your typical closure rates?
Will I need face-down positioning, and for how long based on my optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings?
What type of gas do you use, and what are the travel and altitude restrictions while the bubble is present?
How will you coordinate my care with my optometrist and general practitioner (GP), especially if I live regionally?
If I also have a cataract, should we stage cataract surgery or combine it with the macular surgery?
Helpful signs of high-quality care
Same-week access for urgent cases and clear instructions for symptoms that need immediate attention.
On-site or coordinated optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and consistent use of photographs to track recovery.
Personalised written post-operative plan, including positioning, drop schedule, and safety tips.
Accessible communication pathways for rural and regional patients via phone and telehealth when appropriate.
What should you expect before, during, and after surgery in Canberra?
Before surgery, you will undergo a careful assessment that typically includes vision testing, a dilated retinal exam, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the hole and evaluate the surrounding retina. You will discuss anaesthesia options and any medical conditions with your surgical team, and you will receive a straightforward plan for your eye drops, positioning, and follow-up. On the day, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel is performed through tiny incisions that usually do not require sutures. The gas bubble is placed at the end to support closure, and your eye is shielded for comfort and protection as you go home.
After surgery, your vision is initially blurred by the gas bubble, which shrinks over one to three weeks for sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and longer for perfluoropropane (C3F8). While the bubble is present, you must not fly or travel to high altitude. Your team will advise on face-down positioning if needed and will schedule a series of visits to confirm that the hole has closed and to monitor your recovery. Many patients return to light activities within several days and to normal routines as the bubble resolves and vision clears. Good positioning, careful drop use, and promptly reporting any pain or sudden vision change are the pillars of smooth healing.
Where does advanced cataract surgery fit in?
Cataract and macular disease often travel together, especially with age. If a cataract already blurs the view to the macula, your surgeon may recommend cataract surgery before or combined with macular surgery to optimise access and final clarity. Advanced cataract surgery (including femtosecond laser) can improve precision in lens fragmentation and incision creation, supporting stable surgical conditions and accurate intraocular lens selection. When sequencing procedures, the goal is to balance speed, safety, and your personal visual priorities, such as driving, reading, or reducing dependence on glasses. Any potential gap payments depend on your health fund and eligibility; the practice provides estimates and will discuss costs as part of planning.
There are several common pathways that your surgeon may discuss with you based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings and lens status. Staging cataract first can improve macular visualisation for complex holes. Combining cataract and vitrectomy can reduce the number of anaesthetics and speed your overall recovery. Deferring cataract surgery after a successful macular repair can be helpful if your lens is still clear. Each plan is tailored, and risks, benefits, and downtime are explained so you can choose the strategy that matches your goals. Dr Rahul Dubey regularly integrates cataract and retinal care to deliver personalised, high-quality outcomes.
Typical scenarios
Significant cataract present: perform cataract surgery first or combine with macular surgery for best visual access.
Mild cataract: proceed with macular surgery, plan cataract later if needed.
Desire for rapid functional recovery: consider combined surgery after discussion of implant options and recovery steps.
How does Dr Rahul Dubey support Canberra and regional patients?
Dr Rahul Dubey’s practice is designed for patients who want comprehensive, fast, and local solutions. Medical and surgical management of vitreomacular disorders, surgery for floaters, micro surgery for macular hole and epiretinal membrane, treatment for retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy, and care for inflammatory eye disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are all available. He works in the Hills district, Canberra, Liverpool, and Randwick, with a strong commitment to rural and regional ophthalmology services. That means streamlined triage, flexible scheduling, and co-managed follow-up with trusted local optometrists and your general practitioner (GP) to reduce travel while maintaining safety and quality.
Consider a typical Canberra case example. A 68-year-old from Tuggeranong experienced sudden central blurring. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed a small full-thickness macular hole, and the lens assessment showed moderate cataract. After discussing options, she elected combined advanced cataract surgery (including femtosecond laser) and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel and a short-acting gas. Surgery was arranged urgently. At one week, the hole was closed and the gas bubble was already shrinking. Within a month, she reported clearer reading vision and confidence driving again. While every case is unique, this pathway illustrates how integrated care can simplify decisions and outcomes.
Costs, referrals, and timelines in Canberra
For most patients, the journey begins with a referral from an optometrist or your general practitioner (GP). If you notice central blurring, distortion, or a circular dark patch, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Call promptly and explain your symptoms so triage can be prioritised. In Canberra, urgent cases are typically seen quickly and scheduled for surgery as soon as practical theatre time is available. If you live regionally, telehealth can be used for selected discussions, but in-person assessment and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging are essential to confirm the plan. The objective is to balance speed with safety and ensure you feel informed at every step.
Costs vary by case complexity, health fund cover, and whether cataract and macular procedures are staged or combined. The practice can provide estimates and discuss insurance cover and potential gap payments; any no-gap arrangements depend on your insurer and eligibility. Retinal surgery is performed expertly and urgently, with transparent estimates and item numbers shared before booking so you can confirm any out-of-pocket expenses with your insurer. If anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections or laser are part of your care, these will be discussed with clear indications and expected benefits. If you have questions, ask for a written summary so you can revisit details at home.
Your practical checklist
Bring your glasses, medication list, and referral from your general practitioner (GP) or optometrist.
Arrange support at home for the first 48 hours and for any face-down positioning needs.
Do not fly or travel to high altitude while a gas bubble is in the eye.
Report any severe pain, sudden vision change, or increasing redness promptly.
Confirm when you may resume driving, work, and exercise based on your plan.
FAQs: Clear answers for Canberra patients
Will my vision return to normal after macular hole repair?
Many patients experience significant improvement, particularly with smaller, recent holes. Peer-reviewed studies commonly report primary closure rates around 90 to 95 percent. Vision outcomes vary with hole size, duration, and other eye conditions such as cataract or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Your surgeon will explain what is realistic for your situation using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images as a visual guide.
Is face-down positioning always required?
Not always. Some small holes close well with minimal positioning, while others benefit from several days of face-down time. The recommendation depends on optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements, gas choice, and the surgeon’s technique. Clear instructions and simple positioning aids make this manageable for most people.
Can macular hole surgery and cataract surgery be combined?
Yes. Combining procedures can improve surgical visibility and reduce total recovery time. Advanced cataract surgery (including femtosecond laser) can be integrated with macular repair after a personalised discussion about risks, lens choices, and your visual goals. Any potential no-gap arrangements depend on your insurer and eligibility and will be discussed during planning, which many find helpful when considering combined care.
What if I live outside Canberra?
Regional patients from the Snowy Monaro, Yass Valley, Goulburn, and the South Coast are supported with rapid triage, consolidated appointments, and coordinated follow-up with local optometrists and your general practitioner (GP). When you call, mention travel constraints so scheduling can be streamlined.
Choosing a surgeon is ultimately about trust, skill, and access. With integrated retinal and cataract services, urgent surgical pathways, and a commitment to regional care, Dr Rahul Dubey’s practice offers a clear route from diagnosis to recovery that is both thorough and personal.
Final thoughts: Your next step in Canberra
This guide shows you how to identify the right specialist and what to expect from macular hole repair in Canberra.
Imagine having clarity about timing, technique, and recovery, with a team that treats urgent problems rapidly and plans your long-term visual goals with precision. In the next 12 months, a tailored approach can help protect and enhance your central vision.
What matters most to you right now, and who will partner with you to deliver it? If you are still wondering who performs micro surgery for macular holes in Canberra, consider the value of coordinated, urgent, and comprehensive care.
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