Tauranga Eye Specialists

World-Class eye care across the Bay of Plenty

Tauranga Eye Specialists provides world-class eye care across the Bay of Plenty, offering comprehensive services from routine eye examinations through to complex eye surgery. Our team includes some of the most respected ophthalmologists in Australasia, many of whom hold national leadership roles in ophthalmology and have trained at leading international institutions. With clinics in Tauranga, Pāpāmoa, Katikati and Whakatāne, patients can access advanced diagnostics, modern treatments and personalised care close to home.

We cover the full range of sub-specialties including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal conditions, cornea, oculoplastics, paediatrics, strabismus, uveitis, and dry eye syndrome. As one of New Zealands largest eye surgery providers, we combine clinical excellence with a warm, patient-centred approach, ensuring every person feels supported and informed at every step. Whether youre seeking a first consultation, specialised treatment or ongoing management of an eye condition, youll receive exceptional care delivered by a team passionate about helping you achieve clearer, healthier vision.

EYECARE SERVICES:

• Dry Eye Clinic
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Medical & Surgical Retina
• Cornea
• Paediatric Ophthalmology
• Strabismus (Squint)
• Uvetis
• Oculoplastic Surgery
• Pterygium and Pinguecula
• Blepharitis

Dr Sam Kain
Dr Sam Kain has been a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Tauranga Eye Specialists since 2009, specialising in cataract surgery, glaucoma and general ophthalmology. With a strong focus on early detection and treatment of glaucoma, he is dedicated to helping patients protect their vision and maintain long-term eye health.
Outside of his clinical work, Dr Kain is deeply involved in eye health advocacy and research. He is a trustee for Glaucoma NZ and previously served as a Director of the Save Sight Society, supporting nationwide efforts to prevent avoidable blindness. Dr Kain has contributed to numerous research publications and journals and holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer position in Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland, where he helps teach and mentor future doctors.

Dr Mark Fajgenbaum
Dr Mark Fajgenbaum is an experienced ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in vitreoretinal surgery and a high-volume cataract practice. He manages both routine and complex cataract cases, including those involving trauma or previous surgical complications. Mark also treats a wide range of medical and surgical retinal conditions such as retinal detachments, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions and diabetic retinopathy. He regularly cares for patients with urgent or sight-threatening retinal problems, and values the privilege of helping people preserve and regain vision during some of their most critical moments.
Mark is also the clinical lead for uveitis at Tauranga Eye Specialists. His medical training began at Edinburgh University, followed by acceptance into the competitive seven-year UK ophthalmology training programme based in London. He completed advanced training at internationally recognised centres including Moorfields Eye Hospital, Kings College Hospital, St Georges Hospital and St Thomas Hospital. He is registered by the UK General Medical Council as a specialist ophthalmologist with subspecialty accreditation in medical and surgical retina.

Dr Mark Saunders
Dr Mark Saunders is a highly experienced anterior segment specialist whose work spans cataract surgery, cornea, eyelid surgery and medical retina. Over his career, he has performed more than 10,000 lens exchanges, over 200 corneal transplants and more than 2,000 pterygium and ocular surface procedures. He has also performed more than 500 cataract surgeries as a volunteer in underdeveloped countries, reflecting his long-standing commitment to improving global eye health.
Marks decision to pursue ophthalmology grew from a deep respect for the complexity of the human eye and its profound impact on how we see and experience the world. He was drawn to a field that blends advanced medical innovation with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in peoples lives. That combination of scientific curiosity and genuine care shapes the way he practices today, offering skilled, thoughtful treatment that can truly transform vision and quality of life.

Dr Andrew Thompson
Dr Andrew Thompson is an experienced cataract and anterior segment surgeon who considers it a privilege to help restore or improve vision. He has performed thousands of cataract surgeries, including complex cataracts and refractive lens exchanges, and finds it incredibly rewarding to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life. Andrew has subspecialty interests in medical retinal disease and its management, as well as glaucoma and oculoplastic procedures, allowing him to provide care across several important areas of eye health.
Andrew is driven by a commitment to continual learning and the pursuit of excellence. He embraces modern surgical technologies and laser treatments, which allow for highly effective procedures with faster recovery times, minimal or no discomfort and outstanding results often seen within hours or days. For him, restoring sight is about giving patients the opportunity to engage fully with the world around them.

Dr Kent Chow
Dr Chow is a New Zealand-trained ophthalmologist who takes pride in providing personalised, holistic care. His warm and down-to-earth manner complements his emphasis on effective communication. He is dedicated to understanding your concerns, thoroughly answering your questions and ensuring you feel confident with your treatment decisions.
He has successfully performed thousands of operations, including complex cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange, pterygium procedures, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), eyelid surgery and eye socket surgery. Dr Chow is committed to integrating the latest scientific research and surgical techniques to address each patients unique needs.
In addition to his interests in cataract, corneal, glaucoma and retinal conditions, Dr Chow has completed subspecialist oculoplastic fellowship training in the UK, focusing on disorders of the eyelids, tear ducts and eye sockets.

Dr Cheefoong Chong
Dr Cheefoong Chong finds deep fulfilment in restoring and preserving vision, particularly for children. He is committed to managing paediatric conditions such as amblyopia, cataracts and retinopathy of prematurity, where early intervention can make a lifelong difference. His expertise in strabismus surgery focuses on improving both visual function and patient confidence. Alongside his paediatric work, Cheefoong also performs cataract surgery in adults, helping patients regain clarity and quality of life. He is proud to provide advanced treatments for retinoblastoma, aiming for the best possible visual and cosmetic outcomes for young patients and their families.