Sean Every

Ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Sean Every trained in ophthalmology in Christchurch and Dunedin. After gaining vocational registration with the College of Ophthalmologists he completed a Master of Medical Science with Distinction under the supervision of Professor Anthony Molteno who pioneered tube drainage glaucoma surgery. This novel UV photographic project unmasked the physiologic deposition of corneal ferritin and piqued the interest of the incumbent Nuffield Professor of Ophthalmology in Oxford, UK. Sean was privileged to spend two years in Oxford, but after 6 months of corneal surgery became fascinated with the decision making and surgical skill required to be a vitreoretinal surgeon completing an 18 month fellowship at the Radcliffe Infirmary. Being the only Vitreo-Retinal fellow and on call 24/7 for 18 months (he was allowed to go on holiday) he was exposed to a huge volume of vitreoretinal surgery in a centre of excellence under the tutelage of Drs Paul Rosen and CK Patel. Having been well trained in NZ, and being given the ability to think from first principles, it was empowering to be able to work in such an esteemed environment.

He returned to a consultant position at Christchurch Hospital in 2006. This demanding job gave him a wealth of experience in both medical and surgical treatment of the macula, vitreous and retina, in addition to both routine and complex cataract surgery. From 2007-2017 he worked in both public and private ophthalmology sectors in Christchurch. In 2010 he became an examiner for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists examining the next generation of ophthalmologists as they exit the training programme. He has an ability to speak in whatever level of language is required to communicate a topic – whether it be teaching an ophthalmic trainee or nurse, discussing a diagnosis or treatment with a patient or speaking to a general public audience as he frequently does on Macular Degeneration.