Dr Shenton Chew

MB ChB 2005 Auckland; FRANZCO 2015

Dr Shenton Chew is the most recent addition to the Auckland Eye team.  He brings up-to-date experience in refractive cataract surgery and glaucoma care.  During his two-year comprehensive glaucoma fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, Shenton obtained expertise in complex glaucoma and cataract surgical techniques.  This includes experience in the expanding field of “minimally invasive glaucoma surgery” (MIGS) using devices such as the iStent, Hydrus, Xen and Cypass, as well as the most current trabeculectomy and tube shunt techniques.

The cornerstone of Shenton’s practice-style is developing individualised and patient-focused care.  One of his key strengths is his ability to communicate in an empathetic fashion that promotes understanding of the treatment offered.  “As clinicians, we must remember to put ourselves into our patients’ shoes.  What is routine for us is not the case for our patients and we tend to forget that at times”.

Shenton is also a consultant ophthalmologist at both Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) and Counties-Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB).  Because of the increasing burden of chronic eye disease on our strained public healthcare system, he has a strong interest in improving the efficiency and quality of Auckland’s ophthalmology service.  He uses his positions as the current chairman of the ADHB surgeons’ meeting and spokesperson for the Royal Australian and New Zealand (RANZCO) College of Ophthalmologists to advocate for patients that need access to tertiary level ophthalmic care.

Shenton also has a strong background in academic research, having obtained a Doctor of Medicine degree during his two-year optic nerve research fellowship at The University of Auckland and remains an honorary senior lecturer with the University.  He is well published, presents regularly to international ophthalmic meetings and enjoys tutoring optometrists and the next generation of ophthalmologists.

Shenton grew up in rural New Zealand, but after his family moved to “the big smoke” he completed his schooling and medical training in Auckland, followed by ophthalmology training in the Auckland and Waikato regions.  He has been fortunate to be the recipient of multiple ophthalmology prizes and scholarships in his undergraduate and postgraduate years, which helped him and his wife, Nola, get through their two-year stint in London.  They now have a young son Callum, who keeps them on their toes and takes up most of his free time!  Outside of work he enjoys keeping physically active with hobbies such as tennis, golf, weight-training and snowboarding. 

Refractive Cataract, Glaucoma

Ophthalmologist

19 January 2006

Ophthalmology