Lions Eye Institute announces $14m development of WA facilities

The Lions Eye Institute (LEI) has announced a $14.1 million redevelopment of its theatre complex at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (QEIIMC) in Nedlands, Western Australia.

A media release said this marked LEI’s largest investment in its facilities in 30 years, underscoring its commitment to delivering world-class eye health care and innovation for Western Australians.

The redevelopment will transform the existing facilities into a state-of-the-art ophthalmic theatre complex.

LEI said key upgrades would include a complete redesign of the theatre complex, increasing the size of two operating theatres, creating a dedicated Laser Vision suite and modernisation of outpatient spaces to improve comfort and capacity.

“This redevelopment represents a significant milestone in the institute’s history, as we continue to invest in the future of eyecare,” said Dr Glen Power, managing director of the LEI.

“By modernising this complex, patient facilities will be made more comfortable and efficient, with new reception and waiting areas, new ophthalmic testing areas and shared facilities.”

LEI medical director Professor Chandra Balaratnasingam emphasised the community impact of this investment.

“This redevelopment is a pivotal step in modernising our clinical capabilities, including purpose-built facilities for the latest Schwind Smart Sight Laser technology.

“The upgraded theatres and outpatient spaces will enable us to treat more complex cases and increase surgical throughput, while also enhancing care for young patients across the state.

“As a medical research institute, we have deliberately designed the new theatre complex to integrate clinical care with our laboratories and data platforms, creating a seamless pathway for translational research that will range from discovery science and prototyping through to first-in-human evaluation.

“This will accelerate investigator-initiated studies and industry partnerships, expand our capacity for advanced ocular imaging and biobanking, and ensure Western Australian patients can access cutting-edge therapies sooner.”

Construction was set to commence in August 2025.

The upgraded facility will also see greater numbers of paediatric patients.

There will be new consulting suites for the glaucoma, eyelid, orbital and lacrimal surgery and paediatric specialists who practise adjacent to the theatre complex, as well as the addition of space for a second paediatric ophthalmologist practicing at the LEI.

Republished by Insight News.