Doctors and Staff members

Medical Staff

There are three specialist ophthalmologists at The Private Eye Clinic.

Dr. Lionel Kowal

Dr Kowal's [pronounced Koval] practice is restricted to strabismus and pediatric ophthalmology.

Dr. Kowal is probably the busiest strabismus surgeon in Australia. If the Health Insurance Commision statistics are accurate ( and they should show all procedures that are billed through Medicare), then over the period Jan 2008-Dec 2008, Dr Kowal personally performed the following portion of Australia's strabismus procedures:

1. 12% of all strabismus surgeries
2. 26% of adjustable suture procedures
3. 32% of strabismus surgeries involving 3 or more muscles
4. 23% of Botox injections for strabismus
5. 23% of transposition surgeries

Since 1992 Dr. Kowal has been Director of the Ocular Motility Clinic at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. He is a Senior Fellow of the University of Melbourne Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Kowal holds current memberships in the following associations:

• American Association of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (International Member)
• International Strabismological Association (First Vice President)
• Neuro Ophthalmology Society of Australia
• Australian Medical Association
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
• European Strabismological Association
• North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
• American Academy of Neurology (Section on Neuro- Ophthalmology)
• He is a Life Member of the Australian College of Behavioural Optometrists.

View Dr Kowal's C.V here.
Dr Kowal supports the next attempt on the World Land Speed Record: pushing the limits of mankind and technology. we invite you to support this too.
See www.bloodhound.com

Dr. Mark Steiner

Dr. Steiner is a general ophthalmologist. He is a Visiting Consultant at the RVEEH. He is a Lecturer and Examiner for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Dr. Steiner is fluent in Polish.

Dr. Renuka Bathija

Dr. Bathija is a specialist at the Glaucoma Unit at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. She completed her Glaucoma Fellowship at The University of California. A certified OHTS (Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study) investigator, she was involved in the development and early application of optic nerve imaging using the scanning laser tomograph (HRT) and the GDx nerve fiber layer analyzer. The 'Bathija Factor' in HRT reports is named after her.

Orthoptic Staff

The orthoptic staff are Mr Roberto Pieri and Ms Kim Salter. Orthoptists complete a 3.5 year course at Latrobe University in ophthalmic procedures and diagnosis. Most patients are assessed initially by the orthoptist. Mr Pieri is fluent in Italian. Ms Salter is the Coordinator for Cataract and Strabismus Surgery.

Medical Receptionists

Ms Donna Smigielski

Mrs Jo Bonzos