Dr Joseph San Laureano is joined by two new ophthalmologists

by | Aug 20, 2024 | Uncategorized

A/Prof George Kong, a glaucoma subspecialist and Dr Lukas Sahar have joined Dr Joseph San Laureano at Melbourne Eye Centre

A/Prof George kong 

A/Prof. George Kong is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and Glaucoma subspecialist with a particular interest in cataract surgery, comprehensive glaucoma management, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and complex glaucoma caused by angle closure and inflammatory eye diseases. He also performs pterygium surgery, common eyelid surgeries and ICL refractive correction surgery.
​A/Prof. Kong completed VCE in Melbourne finishing top of the state of Victoria in Mathematics. He then completed his medical degree (MBBS) from The University of Melbourne, Australia. He successfully completed his PhD in 2011 supported by National Health and Medical Research Council Postgraduate Training Scholarship. He was awarded the prestigious Eberhard Dodt Memorial Award from the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) for his work on retinal electrophysiology.
A/Prof. Kong completed RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) accredited training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Subsequently, he embarked on a subspecialty Glaucoma fellowship at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital where he gained medical and surgical expertise in the treatment of glaucoma. He then travelled to Cambridge, United Kingdom, where he gained expertise in the advanced management of complex cataract and glaucoma conditions such as glaucoma caused by inflammatory eye diseases (uveitis) and children’s glaucoma. He has also trained in laser procedures for glaucoma and in new surgical techniques of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery.
A/Prof. Kong published over 50 international peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 book chapters and is a reviewer of several ophthalmology and optometry journals. He was instrumental in the development of the GONE (Glaucoma Optic Neuropathy Evaluation) website which has helped thousands of optometrists and junior ophthalmologists around the world improve their optic nerve examination techniques. He is a co-inventor of software for visual field testing software on iPad – Melbourne Rapid Fields. He is also the inventor of the Semi-open technique of XEN stent insertion. A/Prof. Kong was awarded the Gerard Crock Trophy in the RANZCO Annual Scientific Congress 2022 for his work on visual field home monitoring for glaucoma.
A/Prof. Kong speaks Mandarin and Cantonese fluently.

Dr Lukas Sahhar

Dr Lukas Sahhar is a comprehensive specialist ophthalmologist with additional training in complex cataract and refractive surgery.
He completed his medical degree at Monash University where he received several Dux awards as well as the Robert Power Prize in Surgery, the Neil Carson Prize in Medicine, the Monash Health Board of Management Prize, the Belinda Farrell Medicine Prize and the Hector Maclean Prize in Ophthalmology for Monash University. He received a scholarship to complete his Honours research degree with the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at Oxford University and has also completed a Master of Public Health.
He undertook his specialist training in Melbourne at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Alfred Hospital, Austin Hospital and Royal Children’s Hospital. As a registrar he was awarded the Australian and New Zealand Glaucoma Society Kath Holmes Prize. He undertook further subspecialist training as the Cataract Surgery Fellow at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne where he gained expertise in managing complex cataract surgery cases and in using modern premium lens technologies.
Dr Sahhar is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists and a member of the Australasian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. He is a consultant ophthalmologist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital where he also teaches ophthalmologists in training.
Dr Sahhar manages conditions including:
Cataract with use of modern premium corrective lenses
Age related macular degeneration requiring injections
Diabetic eye disease
Glaucoma
Blepharoplasty
Pterygium
Eyelid entropion and ectropion
General ophthalmology
He customises his care and lens selection for the individual patient, offering monofocal, multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses tailored to each patient. He employs modern cataract surgery techniques including pain-free anaesthesia with drops (safe for patients on blood thinners), small incision surgery without sutures and eye patch-free recovery to promote early return of vision.
Dr Sahhar grew up in Warragul, Victoria and enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. He values connecting with his patients and providing friendly and personalised care.

Joseph San Laureano on performing visual fields for glaucoma on the new VR headset

Joseph San Laureano on performing visual fields for glaucoma on the new VR headset

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Uncategorized

Comparing Visual Field Tests: Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer vs. Virtual Reality Headsets

Our practice has recently moved to performing visual fields using the newly available VR headset.

Visual field tests are essential in eye care, helping ophthalmologists to detect and monitor conditions like glaucoma and neurological vision disorders. Traditionally, the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer has been the go-to tool for these tests. However, newer technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) headsets offer an alternative that many patients find more comfortable and convenient. Let’s explore the key differences between these two methods and why VR headsets might be the future of visual field testing. 

The Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer: The Traditional Approach

The Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer has been widelyused in eye clinics for years. This machine requires the patient to place their head inside a dome-like structure, resting their chin and forehead on supports to keep their head steady. Here’s what you can expect during a Humphrey visual field test:

– **Fixed Positioning:** Patients must hold their head still in a specific position, which can be uncomfortable, especially for those with neck or back problems. This can make the test challenging for some individuals, particularly those who have difficulty staying in one position for an extended period.

– **One Eye at a Time:** The Humphrey Analyzer tests each eye separately. To do this, a patch is placed over the eye not being tested. Patients often report discomfort from the patch, with some even saying it causes a distracting shadow, making the test less pleasant.

– **Technician Supervision:** During the test, a technician is required to monitor the patient closely. The technician ensures that the patient remains properly positioned and follows the test instructions. This human oversight is essential for accurate results but can make the experience feel somewhat clinical and rigid.

Virtual Reality Headsets: A Modern, Patient-Friendly Alternative

Virtual reality headsets offer a new way to perform visual field tests, with a focus on patient comfort and ease of use. Here’s how the experience with a VR headset differs:

– **Comfortable Positioning:** One of the most significant advantages of VR headsets is that they allow patients to take the test in a variety of positions. Whether sitting in a chair, reclining, or even lying down, patients can find a comfortable position that suits their needs. This flexibility is especially beneficial for those with neck or back issues.

– **Simultaneous Testing of Both Eyes:** Unlike the Humphrey Analyzer, the VR headset tests both eyes at the same time, eliminating the need for an eye patch. This not only makes the test more comfortable but also avoids the common complaint of a shadow caused by the patch, making the testing process more straightforward and less distracting.

– **Virtual Assistance and Eye Tracking:** The VR headset is equipped with a virtual assistant that guides patients through the entire process. The assistant explains how to do the test, monitors progress, and even offers encouragement along the way. This is a significant improvement over the traditional method, where a technician must supervise the test. Additionally, the VR headset includes advanced eye-tracking technology that helps minimize errors, leading to more accurate results.

– **Cloud-Based Data and Real-Time Monitoring:** Another innovative feature of VR headsets is their ability to store data in the cloud. This means that test results can be accessed from anywhere, and progress can be monitored in real-time through a web browser. This is particularly useful for both patients and doctors, as it allows for greater flexibility and convenience in managing eye health.

Patient Preference: VR Headsets Win

In trials conducted with patients, the response to VR headset testing has been overwhelmingly positive. Virtually all patients who have experienced both the Humphrey Analyzer and the VR headset have expressed a clear preference for the VR method. The comfort, convenience, and ease of use offered by VR technology make it a more patient-friendly option, and its innovative features provide a more modern approach to visual field testing.

Conclusion: The Future of Visual Field Testing

While the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer remains a reliable and widely used tool, the introduction of VR headsets represents a significant advancement in eye care. By offering a more comfortable, convenient, and patient-centered approach, VR headsets are poised to become the preferred method for visual field testing in the future. Whether you’re concerned about comfort during the test, the need for more accurate results, or simply want a more streamlined experience, VR headsets offer an exciting new option that meets these needs and more.