Dr Matthew Russell, Brisbane laser eye and cataract surgeon

With over 15 years of experience and 20,000 procedures performed, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.

Vision correction treatment hinges on the expertise and skill set of the provider. It’s important that you choose an ophthalmologist who knows how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise the chances of success.

I understand that everyone has unique goals and expectations. That’s why I take the time to listen and understand what you want to achieve on your vision correction journey — whether you dream of crystal-clear vision without glasses, or aspire to live free from the hassles of contact lenses.

With my combination of education, training and experience I aim to provide the best possible results for patients of all ages. I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives, and I have hand-picked a team of professionals who share that commitment to exceptional care.

Dr. Russell earned his medical degree from the University of Otago in New Zealand. He received the distinguished KG Howsam Medal from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists for the highest academic performance.

Upon graduation, he completed extensive specialist training, including three fellowships at institutions in the United States and Canada.

He is regarded as an ophthalmic microsurgeon specialist with international training in refractive surgery, medical retinal disease and cataract surgery, and has served as a clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada.

Dr. Russell started in private practice in 2007 with Vision Eye Institute in Brisbane, and has since gone on to found OKKO Eye Specialist Centre and VSON Vision Correction Specialists. He has been invited to speak all over the world about his experience and interests.

• Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
• Member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• Member of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• Member of the International Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

• Multiple scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Australian medical advisory committee member for Bayer Pharmaceuticals for the indication of diabetic macular oedema
• Invited guest speaker at multiple international conferences, including ESCRS 2016–2017, the World Congress of Ophthalmology and the RANZCO Congress
• Ocular therapeutic course training
• Optometry and medical student training

• Early adopter of micro-incisional cataract surgery
• Pioneered the introduction of new intraocular lens technologies and microsurgical techniques in Brisbane
• First surgeon to use extended depth of focus multifocal implants (Symfony™) in Brisbane
• First surgeon internationally to use the Zepto™ capsulotomy system during cataract surgery in combination with next-generation FEMTIS intraocular implants, enhancing the precision of implant positioning
• First in Brisbane to introduce a small aperture intraocular lens for post-LASIK presbyopic correcting cataract surgery, enhancing post-operative depth of focus (Acufocus IC-8™)
• First surgeon in Brisbane to implant a piggy-back small aperture implant (Morcher XtraFocus™)
• Adapted ICL technology for post-cataract surgery vision enhancement

• Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada
• Post-fellowship training in refractive surgery, University of Sydney
• Awarded the prestigious KG Howsam Medal for the highest-ranked academic performance of Australasian graduates, from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
• Subspecialty fellowship training in Los Angeles, USA, at the University of Southern California Doheny Eye Institute
• Subspecialty fellowship training at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada
• Qualified as an ophthalmologist with RANZCO in 2002
• Completed medical degree in 1994