Dr Adam Watson
LASIK Eye Surgeon
MBChB, FRANZCO
About Dr Adam Watson
Dr Watson is a specialist LASIK eye surgeon who, together with his eye care team, prides himself on his genuine warmth and empathy, and ability to communicate effectively.
Dr Watson is careful to tailor surgery to every patient’s individual needs. He combines his attention to detail and attentiveness to his patient’s wishes, with clinical judgment based on his advanced training in corneal surgery. His experience includes corneal transplant surgery, non-laser refractive surgery techniques and advanced small-incision cataract surgery techniques using the latest lens technologies.
Overview of Dr Watson’s Achievements (click to expand) 
Specialist in:
- iLASIK laser eye surgery
- CustomSurface PRK
- Non-laser vision correction
Training:
- University of Otago
- iLASIK certified surgeon
- UK fellowship in laser, cornea & cataract surgery
Positions held:
- Vision Correction Specialist & Director – Eye Institute
Associations & memberships:
- Fellow – Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
- Member – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Member – American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Member – Australasian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Member – Australia and New Zealand Society of Oculoplastic Surgery
Dr Watson’s training & experience
After graduating from the University of Otago Medical School in 1991 and training as an ophthalmic surgeon in Australia and Auckland, Dr Watson completed further subspecialist fellowships at renowned centres in England, including Queen Victoria Hospital and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
Dr Watson worked for 18 months with one of the UK’s top laser refractive surgeons and, in 2005, was pleased to bring his experience to Eye Institute. As a Keratorefractive Fellow Specialist, Dr Watson assessed and treated difficult cases that other eye surgeons had referred for treatment. His work in England involved planning and treatment for both routine and complex refractive cases that gave him special insights into the best approaches and solutions to a wide variety of refractive needs.
Dr Watson has published several papers internationally as well as a textbook chapter on aspects of LASIK management. He maintains a close relationship with his colleagues around the world to stay up-to-date with the latest research and surgical techniques and speaks at ophthalmic conferences both nationally and internationally.
Dr Watson’s specialisms
- iLASIK laser eye surgery
Dr Watson insists on using the latest LASIK technology for all procedures. Wavefront-guided, blade-free iLASIK is Dr Watson’s preferred laser vision correction procedure.
- CustomSurface PRK
Dr Watson also offers CustomSurface PRK using the same advanced, wavefront-guided Visx S4 technology as used in iLASIK, for those who may benefit from a no-flap technique. This is in keeping with his care to offer the best, most appropriate and safest refractive treatment for all patients.
- Non-laser vision correction
For those that are unsuited to laser refractive surgery, Dr Watson is able to offer lens-based refractive procedures that may give superior outcomes in some cases.
Dr Watson's Team
Dr Watson's team consists of Secretary Vanessa (left) and technician Catherine (right).
With his eye-care team, Dr Watson prides himself on his genuine warmth and empathy, and ability to communicate effectively.
Dr Watson’s family & personal interests
Adam was lucky to meet Kate, his wife, while working in England. Kate is a trained nurse with special experience in day surgical nursing. Together, they enjoy the Auckland region’s beaches, bush and city, exploring new places in New Zealand, and catching up with their family and friends both here and in the UK. They have three children who keep them happily busy at all times.
Make an appointment with Dr Adam Watson
Please fill in the form below to enquire or book your appointment with Dr Watson. Appointments, including free, no obligation laser eye surgery assessments, are available:
- Monday to Friday – 8.00am to 5.00pm
- Wednesday evenings – until 6.00pm
- Saturday mornings – by request only
"Hi Dr Watson, Catherine and TC. Just over 24 hours since I had iLasik and I'm looking at the computer through naked eyes for the first time ever, actually today is the first day I have seen anything clearly without glasses or contact lenses since I was 3 years old!
Thank you all so much, from a very nervous patient, to a very professional, friendly, supportive and reassuring team, that I would highly recommend to anyone considering this process. I had the surgery primarily because I want a job that requires excellent eyesight and was so focused on that that I didn't really consider the day to day benefits which are wonderful - I can walk in the rain without my glasses getting wet, I can open the oven door without fogging up, I can lie on the couch and watch TV without my glasses getting in the way - all very YAHOOOO!
The future's so bright I gotta wear shades - and I can for the first time!! If you're thinking about it - DO IT!"
- Kim Brill
"This morning was only the second time in 17 years that I was able to see when I woke up. The first time was a few years ago when I forgot to remove my contact lenses the night before and the second was this morning, less than 24 hours after I had iLasik.
Last week I rang a different company offering vision correction with a few questions about the treatment. The receptionist couldn’t give me any answers so I rang Eye Institute. Second time lucky for me, I got a lovely lady on the phone who answered my questions and more.
I booked my assessment and after that it was only 1 week later that I was back having it done. I was a bit nervous beforehand but I was talked through what was going to happen and what to expect after, and the hand that grabbed mine during the treatment put my mind at ease.
Moral of this story is that if you are reading this because you are considering iLasik please, please see Dr Adam Watson and his fabulous team at Eye Institute. Thanks guys :) "
- Sara Gow
"It's been 3 1/2 weeks since my surgery and I have to say - WOW!!! Aside from the most obvious effects of the surgery (increased confidence, seeing when I wake up, wearing headbands, not having to change ears on my work headset every 30 mins to avoid headaches from the pressure on my glasses!) I've started noticing the little differences, the relatively small things most people would take for granted. Last week (1st time in 12 yrs) I played pool! (I could see the balls! Awesome!) And being able to see while cycling home in the rain yesterday! I didn't have to stop and continually wipe my glasses dry. I really want to say THANKS A MILLION! It's been such a life-changing thing for me and I'm extremely excited about discovering more and more of the little things I'd just resigned myself to not being able to enjoy again... Thanks!"
- Claire Couwenbergh
1.
"I would like to add that both myself and my wife Natalie were extremely impressed with not only your professionalism (as always!), but also the professionalism, efficiency and service given by Vanessa."
- Andrew
.........
2.
"I had been wearing high strength contact lenses for the last 10 years and finally summoned up the courage to have my eyes lasered. Well there really was absolutely nothing to worry about! Dr Adam Watson and the team were completely professional..."
- Natalija
.........
3.
"Many thanks for all your help, I've found the whole Watson group very helpful, attentive and extremely professional."
- BQ
.........
4.
"Thank you so much... Many thanks in advance once again to the whole Watson Team for all your kindness to my mother. I really appreciate it. In Austria we have a wonderfully efficient medical system but the customer service side is sadly lacking, so I am always proud of how well that is managed in NZ. Very best wishes to you..."
- Liz
.........
5.
"I am really happy to have these results and have found you guys to be awesome to deal with in every way..."
- Michelle
.........
6.
"It's really nice to know that there are genuine people out there! Many Thanks to Dr Watson and his Team."
- Trina
.........
7.
"44 years old and told “Kelly you need bifocals”. I thought they were for old people. I was warned that some people can’t cope with bifocals; I was one of those people.
I have made some stupid decisions in my life time but this was the best decision by far. I cannot praise Dr Watson and his team enough. Thanks to them I can see again and I don’t have to wear bifocals or have the indent of the glasses arms on the side of my head anymore.
If you are reading my referral, it is because you are considering iLASIK surgery. Do it! One life as we know it, live it but more importantly – see it!
I have never regretted getting this done, the only regret I am going to have is how much I will miss these lovely, talented people who have been so wonderful to me.
Thank you so much for everything"
- Kelly
.........
8.
"Firstly I'd like to thank you for my very successful eye correction procedure - GOODBYE GLASSES! My Xmas wish has finally been answered... to see without glasses. It is an amazing experience! You and the rest of the team at Eye Institute are by far are the best. I specially joined Facebook today to tell the whole world - Dr. Adam Watson is the best. Don't say you will do it - SAY YOU HAD IT DONE! Thanks so much Adam."
- Lee Moothan
.........
9.
"The surgery went so well thanks to you and the wonderful team you have, and I have spent every day being completely overwhelmed at how life-changing it is to see with such clarity, It’s like that song, "coming out of the dark", and every day my eyes get stronger and the world gets clearer, it’s like being a newborn, seeing everything for the first time!! Please give my best to Catherine and the rest of your team."
- Jacqueline de Bruyn
.........
10.
"The best thing I could have done was have my eyes lasered. I thought 20/20 vision was the best, but apparently that is what an average person sees. I am able to get 6/5 vision which is better than average. It is only 3 weeks and I feel great without my glasses which I had been wearing for 20 years. The team with Dr Adam were absolutely great miracle workers. Cheers!"
- Dhiren Lal
.........
See our Facebook page for more feedback from patients.