Our Team
Doctors
Dr.Malvika Gupta
Cataract Surgeon and Retinal Specialist
Founding Director, Eastern Eye Specialists
Advisory Board Member: Medical Panels Victoria
Executive Committee Member: RANZCO Human Ethics & Research Committee
MBBS DO DNB MNAMS FICO (London) FRANZCO
Dr Malvika Gupta graduated from Delhi University, India with a gold medal for her proficiency in Ophthalmology. She subsequently completed a diploma and then Diplomate of National Board degree in Ophthalmology following which was awarded fellowship of the International Council of Ophthalmologists from London, UK in 2012. Further to that, she completed two years of advanced medical and surgical training in retinal diseases at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW. Malvika has worked extensively in general ophthalmology across various Victorian hospitals including Western Health, Monash Health and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, training in management of complex cataracts, glaucoma and minor oculoplastic disorders. Having practiced Ophthalmology for over 13 years as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and having performed over 10,000 eye surgeries, Malvika provides total eye care with special interests in complicated cataract and pterygium surgery, medical retinal diseases and oculoplastic procedures of the eyelid.
Malvika is also actively involved in training next generation eye surgeons and holds public appointments at Northern Health and Lilydale Hospital (Yarra Ranges Health Services) and Alice Springs Hospital (Northern Territory). She serves the aboriginal community in NT with outreach visits every quarter to Alice Springs hospital and the bush sites, and also one of the Chief Clinician for IDEAS Van in Victoria remote Outlook Project
Malvika provides private cataract surgery at Vermont Private Hospital with no or low gap options for privately insured patients (based on insurer rebates) with options of standard monofocal lenses, toric lenses to correct astigmatism and EdoF and multifocal lenses for full spectacle independence after cataract surgery. For non-insured pensioners, who do not have private health insurance, Malvika provides low gap surgery at Vermont Private with overall out of pocket costs of approximately 2000$. Also, those wanting to have surgery via the public system, Malvika’s affiliation with Yarra Ranges health provides direct access to surgical waitlisting; bypassing the wait times relating to outpatient consultations and pre-op testing.
Malvika takes keen interest in writing and has authored over 30 titles in indexed ophthalmology journals and books. She is an executive board member of the RANZCO Human Research and Ethics Committee. Malvika has also been appointed as empaneled Advisor by Medical Panels Victoria to perform permanent impairment assessments in accordance with the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 and Wrongs Act 1958
She has earned several young ophthalmologist grants to travel across Asia and Europe and participate in Retinal Disease Summits.
Malvika has now decided to settle in Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. In her free time, she enjoys nature walks with her young daughter and they together, are learning to play the Piano and violin; and is an excellent cook specialising in Asian vegetarian cuisine.
Locations: Lilydale, Knox
Dr.Nicholas Cheng
Retinal Specialist and Eye Surgeon
Associate Consultant, Eastern Eye Specialists Lilydale
MBBS, BMedSc, MMed(OphthSc), FRANZCO
Dr Cheng is a highly qualified and experienced Retinal Specialist, Cataract Surgeon and General Ophthalmologist.
Dr Cheng is a fellowship-trained retinal specialist with expertise in age-related macular degeneration (AMD),diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular disease. He is highly experienced in laser procedures and intravitreal injections and adept in cataract surgery having performed many complex cases during his sub-specialty fellowship.
After undertaking a sub-specialty Medical Retina fellowship at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Dr Cheng travelled to the United Kingdom to further his experience in General Ophthalmology at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Dr Cheng has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and was an honorary fellow at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), helping with research into the latest treatments for retinal diseases.
Known for his friendly and approachable nature with both patients and colleagues, Dr Cheng takes the time to answer all questions and works with patients to ensure they understand their condition and available treatment options. Dr Cheng has public hospital appointments as a consultant ophthalmologist at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Monash Health and Northern Health.
Location: Lilydale
Dr.Joanne Dondey
General & Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Associate Consultant, Eastern Eye Specialists
MBBS, MPH, FRANZCO
Dr Joanne Dondey is a leading Melbourne based ophthalmologist with international fellowship training in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. She has extensive experience in the treatment of children’s eye problems, childhood strabismus, complex adult strabismus and general ophthalmology. She is an experienced cataract surgeon.
In addition Joanne provides neonatal eye services, including screening and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and is registered to inject Botulinum toxin (Botox) for blepharospasm.
Joanne has undertaken research and is a published author in several peer reviewed ophthalmic journals. She continues to improve her knowledge and skills by regular contribution at local and international scientific meetings and ongoing postgraduate studies.
Education
Following her medical degree at the University of Queensland, and medical and surgical residency in public hospitals, Joanne undertook specialist training in ophthalmology. She became a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists in 2000.
She discovered a passion for children’s ophthalmology and underwent subspecialty training in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. She completed 2 Fellowships, firstly at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne then overseas at the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, Canada, where she was the recipient of the Donald Morin Scholarship.
Joanne then underwent further training in adult cataract surgery in York, UK prior to returning to Australia.
Location: Knox and Lilydale
Orthoptists
Adam Kaucki
Senior Orthoptist, Member Australian Orthoptic Board
B.Hlth.Sci(Hons)/MOrth(Orthoptics)
Adam is an Orthoptist with 7 years of clinical experience, graduating from La Trobe University Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Master of Orthoptics degree in 2013. Working in both public and private clinics in Melbourne and interstate has provided Adam with an invaluable insight into the diverse range of clinical presentations in adult and paediatric eye health care.
Adam has a special interest in all areas of adult and paediatric strabismus and ocular motility, and is committed to providing an informative and supportive approach to patient-centred care.
Having a passion for eye health care education in the wider community, Adam enjoys volunteering his time at paediatric vision screenings on weekends and providing much-needed services as part of the IDEAS (Indigenous Diabetes Eye and Screening) Van initiative. Adam is an active member of Orthoptics Australia who attends regular local, interstate and international conferences and scientific meetings. He is also registered with the Australian Orthoptics Board and holds a Certificate of Currency for maintaining up to date clinical knowledge. In his free time, Adam enjoys spending time with family and friends, pursuing his piano studies, playing board games, and is an avid puzzler.
Administration
Stephanie Jutrisa
Reception Staff
Stephanie is the pocket rocket of our team! Youngest member of our team, she is full of vibrant vigour and energy and is always set to solve any problem that is sent her way.
Steph is available Mondays at Knox and Wednesdays and Fridays at our Lilydale location
Location: Lilydale, Knox
Narmada Gunawardhana
Reception Staff
With years of HR experience, we are lucky to have Naramada assisting our practice. Her in depth attention to detail and vigour to always learn and improve, makes her a perfect fit! Narmada assists us at Knox on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Lilydale on Wednesdays.
Location: Lilydale, Knox
Vini Ramesh
Reception Staff
Vini has a background in Psychology and experience working with individuals with high support needs.
She is the newest member of our receptionist team and is ready to help. She is patient, friendly, and organised.
Location: Lilydale, Knox
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
A clinical communications platform for eye care professionals across Australia
Inservio and iCare Pharmacy can coordinate subsidised medicine access, particularly of antiVEGF injections
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the land on which our work in the community takes place. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.