Dr. Andy Simpson
MBBS MD BSc FRCOphth FRANZCO
Dr Simpson is a highly experienced Consultant Ophthalmologist with a special interest in cataract surgery, complex cataract surgery and retinal diseases.
He has been working in ophthalmology since 2006, and has practised exclusively in the specialty since 2008.
Areas of expertise
- Cataract surgery, including complex and high-risk cataract cases
- Medical retinal diseases, including macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and retinal vascular conditions
- Vitreoretinal surgery and management of complex retinal disease
- Ocular trauma
Training and experience
Dr Simpson graduated from medical school in London in 2006 and began his medical career with hospital rotations including ophthalmology, emergency medicine, vascular surgery and burns surgery.
He entered full-time specialist ophthalmology training in 2008, completing his training in the United Kingdom in 2017.
During and after training, he completed subspecialty fellowships in medical retina, vitreoretinal surgery and uveitis, followed by a further vitreoretinal fellowship at the Royal Adelaide Hospital after moving to South Australia.
In addition to his clinical and surgical training, Dr Simpson completed a research doctorate (MD) focused on complex retinal and macular disease, and has authored multiple scientific papers and book chapters.
He has significant experience managing ocular trauma, gained through work in major centres in Central London, Adelaide and Alice Springs.
This combined surgical, clinical and research background allows him to manage both routine eye care and complex surgical and retinal conditions.
Current clinical practice
Dr Simpson works as a Consultant Ophthalmologist in private practice, performing routine and complex cataract surgery and treating a wide range of retinal diseases including macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.
He operates privately at Stirling Hospital, and in the public system at Mount Barker.
He consults privately in:
- Mount Barker (Hills Eye Centre)
- Murray Bridge (Bridge Clinic)
Vitreoretinal surgery experience
Dr Simpson completed two vitreoretinal fellowships and has extensive experience performing vitreoretinal surgery, including surgery for retinal detachment, diabetic eye disease, trauma and complex lens cases.
He continues to perform vitreoretinal surgery in the public and remote setting, including Alice Springs, although his current private practice is primarily focused on cataract surgery and medical retinal care.
Regional and remote eye care
Dr Simpson is committed to improving access to specialist eye care in regional and remote Australia.
He is a regular visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist to Alice Springs, travelling several times each year to provide public ophthalmology services to Central Australia.
He also visits the APY Lands, helping deliver ophthalmology services to remote Aboriginal communities, with a focus on improving access to cataract surgery and retinal care.
Earlier in his career, he participated in international outreach work including cataract surgery camps in the Bolivian rainforest and remote Zambia, and a clinical placement with the charity ORBIS in Mongolia.
Professional memberships
- Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO)
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK (FRCOphth)
Outside of work
Outside medicine, Dr Simpson is a keen pilot and holds Australian, British and American pilot licences. He hopes to combine aviation and medicine to further support eye care in remote communities.