Dr Alexander Tan
(FRANZCO, MBBS, BMedSci)
Cataract Surgeon,General Ophthalmologist
Dr Alexander Tan is a Melbourne-trained eye surgeon specialising in general ophthalmology. He has a special interest in cataract surgery and diseases of the retina, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. He is currently an Ophthalmology consultant for Monash Health and Eastern Health.
Alexander began his medical training at the age of 16 at The University of Western Australia, graduating with both a Bachelor of Medical Sciences with First Class Honours in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery with Honours. He then commenced work at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and continued to contribute to clinical research at the Lions Eye Institute in Perth. He completed his ophthalmic training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) in Melbourne, whilst serving on the Qualification and Education Committee and as a member of the Senior Trainees Network for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO).
He previously served as the Chief Ophthalmology Registrar at RVEEH and was responsible for teaching new Ophthalmology trainees in the Victorian Training Network, as well as coordinating the national RANZCO Advanced Clinical Examination. Dr Tan also previously served on the RANZCO Curriculum Committee for Retinal diseases and is a current member of the RANZCO Therapeutics Committee, which provides advice to other ophthalmologists regarding new and existing drugs and therapeutic substances. He has presented his research at local and international scientific conferences, and has received multiple scholarships, awards and grants. Dr Tan recently spent 3 years working full-time in rural NSW as a general ophthalmologist, serving the needs of patients with poor access to healthcare, and prior to COVID he performed a regular visiting surgical service there.
Dr Tan has performed over 4,000 successful cataract surgeries and is always striving to perfect his surgical techniques. He also manages a wide range of ophthalmic disease including glaucoma, oculoplastics, and neuro-ophthalmology.
Alexander believes that good communication is the cornerstone for excellent medicine. His patients are given time to ask questions and understand all of the options available before proceeding with a treatment plan tailored to meet their individual needs. His clinical motto is: “What would I do for my loved one”. Outside of work he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two young children.
Professional Achievements:
- Noel and Imelda Foster Award, given to a Registrar or Fellow who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contribution to the life of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, specifically in the areas of: promoting clinical excellence; teaching and research; patient centred care; and, demonstrating the values of the Eye and Ear.
- Royal Children’s Hospital New Technology Grant
- Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia New Investigator Grant
- Australian Postgraduate Award for postgraduate medical research
- UWA “A & A Saw” Scholarship for postgraduate medical research
- Alvina King Scholarship, UWA Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Professional Memberships:
- RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists)
- AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
- ASO (Australian Society of Ophthalmologists)