Do I need to be referred by a GP or optometrist?
You can contact us directly by clicking the ‘Book and Appointment’ button or call us on 066505798 and book a consultation.
However please note that insurance companies do not cover your care unless you were referred by an optometrist or GP.
I've already been referred elsewhere. Can I change my mind?
Yes. Let us know who you were referred to and what for — we'll arrange the transfer of your referral paperwork directly with that practice. You don't need to make any calls yourself.
Can I be seen if I am a public patient?
This is a private practice. There is a consultation fee, and surgical fees apply. If cost is a concern, please call us — we would rather help you understand your options than have you not ask. Some of our fees are on this website.
How do I know if this is the right place for my condition?
We see patients with all eye conditions, and specialise in cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration. If you’re not sure whether we treat your condition, please call us and ask. If we are not the right fit, we will tell you. We co-ordinate care around New Zealand with any ophthalmologist, and often see patients who have had surgery elsewhere after their operation.
Will I see the same doctor each time?
For cataract assessments and cataract surgery, glaucoma care and glaucoma surgery you will see Dr Alex Buller. For Dry Eye assessments you will see Dr Sophie Buller.
Our team of specialist nurses looks after you in clinic, and is the same team that will look after you through your surgical care.
How long do appointments take?
The time taken varies a lot, depending on the type of consultation. It can take a long time to be seen in an eye clinic, but there are good reasons for this. We sometimes take many tests of your eyes, and you get the results at the same appointment: this can be 3 separate appointments in other healthcare settings. Appointment times vary from 30 minutes to 3 hours, we will indicate this as accurately as we can in your appointment letter. Due to the nature of clinical work these times can vary. If you have time pressures please let our reception staff know.
What happens after surgery?
We will give you clear advice on how to care for your eye(s) after surgery. The first 6 weeks’ follow-up is included in the cost of your operation. Your post-operative care is part of the process, not an addition to it.
Who owns and runs this practice?
The Eye Surgery Hastings was founded in 2018 by Dr Alex Buller and Dr Sophie Buller. It is locally owned and independently run — no corporate parent, no external shareholders. The clinical and operational decisions are made by the clinicians whose names are on your notes.
Is the building accredited?
The whole building is independently audited to the NZS 8164 National Day-Stay Surgery and Procedures Standard. The last audit resulted in commendations in all areas.
Is this practice environmentally responsible?
The Eye Surgery Hastings has New Zealand’s only solar powered operating theatre, and we have performed over 8000 operations in it. We have won multiple international awards for sustainability achievements, and have lectured internationally in this field.
Is the cataract surgery price really all-inclusive?
For the large majority of patients, yes. The price covers surgery, the surgeon's fee, anaesthetic, the facility, and six weeks of follow-up. It is on the website before you call, and it does not change when you arrive. If your situation calls for a different lens or additional procedures, that will be explained to you before any decision is made.