Dr Ainsley Morris

Christchurch ophthalmologist Dr Ainsley Morris said she’s proud to have brought iStents to the South Island, successfully implanting the first last month.

“You might ask why a medical retinal subspecialist was implanting a micro-invasive glaucoma device…so did I!” The innovative technology and ease of providing superior care to patients with glaucoma, won her over, she said.

“The evidence for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is compelling, with most patients relying less on glaucoma medications post-procedure. They are straightforward to implant at the end of cataract surgery and create a bypass through the trabecular meshwork to increase the outflow of aqueous and reduce intraocular pressure. They are an excellent tool in the battle against glaucoma.” Extensively employed overseas and in the North Island, Dr Morris undertook the first South Island procedure at Southern Cross Hospital in Christchurch.