What Auckland Eye does

Auckland Eye is New Zealand's largest private sub-specialty ophthalmology provider, founded in 1993 in Auckland and operating across eight clinic locations including Remuera (headquarters and co-located Oasis Surgical day-stay facility), Takapuna, New Lynn, Ormiston, Pukebohe, Westgate, Whangarei and Queenstown. The group employs approximately 51–100 staff and is anchored by 20 internationally credentialed ophthalmologists (FRANZCO, FRCOphth, PhD) covering every subspecialty of eye care — refractive surgery, cataract, glaucoma, vitreoretinal, oculoplastics, paediatrics, genetics and dry eye. It is the first private eye institution in Auckland and the only Auckland private operator with DAA group accreditation.

The group's clinical offering is built around premium refractive surgery (SMILE Pro on the VISUMAZ 800 femtosecond laser, LASIK, PRK and the Auckland-exclusive PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision), surgical vision correction (cataract, ICL, RLEX) and specialised clinics for Dry Eye (with IPL therapy), Paediatric Eye Care, Myopia Control, Genetic Eye Disease and Vitreoretinal Surgery (launched February 2026). Supporting infrastructure includes a Phase 2–4 commercial clinical trials program running for 15+ years across all major ophthalmic subspecialties, a structured referral ecosystem serving optometrists and GPs, and integrations with MyHealth1st (online booking), Q Card/Q Mastercard (24-month interest-free financing) and Heidi (real-time AI consultation transcription). The website conforms to WCAG 2.2 level AA with Recite Me assistive technology.

Commercially, Auckland Eye generates revenue through per-procedure surgical fees ($3,200 per eye / $6,400 both eyes across all laser modalities), insurance-funded cataract and medical-surgical procedures, professional-services revenue from clinical trial contracts with pharmaceutical and medical device sponsors and CROs, and ancillary financing/transaction fees. The go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer digital marketing (website, social, laser suitability quiz, free assessments) with bottom-of-funnel referrals from GPs and optometrists, supported by health insurance affiliations with Southern Cross, NIB, AIA, Accuro, Partners Life, Unimed and Police Health. The CEO is Gordon Armstrong, appointed April 2022.

Name

Auckland Eye

Legal name

Auckland Eye Limited

Website

https://aucklandeye.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Auckland Eye is New Zealand's largest private sub-specialty ophthalmology provider, operating eight clinics across Auckland, Northland and Queenstown with 20 ophthalmologists delivering laser vision correction, cataract, vitreoretinal, paediatric, dry eye and genetic eye disease services to individual patients on a per-procedure and insurance-funded basis.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmology Services

NAICS

Offices of Physicians (62111)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Eye Exams & Vision Care (HLAKAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery (LASIK/PRK) (HLAKAKAF), Ambulatory Surgery Centers (Ophthalmic/Outpatient Eye Surgery) (HLAKAKAO), Ocular Imaging & Diagnostic Testing Centers (HLAKAKAN)

Keywords

• Ophthalmology services
• Laser eye surgery
• Cataract surgery
• Vision correction procedures
• Eye care clinic

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Laser Vision Correction Surgery: One-time surgical procedures including SMILE Pro, LASIK, PRK, and PRESBYOND. Revenue is generated per eye at $3,200 or as a both-eyes package at $6,400. This is the primary revenue stream for the clinic's laser surgery division.
2. Cataract Surgery: Cataract surgery procedures, typically covered by health insurance. Revenue is collected through insurance claims and patient co-payments.
3. Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLEX): Surgical procedures for patients unsuitable for laser eye surgery, involving implantation of corrective lenses or replacement of the natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
4. Consultation and Assessment Services: Initial technical assessments for laser surgery are free; initial surgeon assessments are also free. Revenue is generated from follow-up consultations and diagnostic tests.
5. Clinical Research Trials: Auckland Eye conducts Phase 2-4 commercial clinical trials for pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Revenue is generated through study contracts with sponsors and CROs.
6. Financing (Q Card / Q Mastercard): The clinic offers 24-month interest-free financing through Q Card and Q MasterCard for laser surgery, generating revenue through patient financing arrangements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Auckland Eye is New Zealand's largest private sub-specialty ophthalmology provider, offering comprehensive eye care services including laser vision correction (SMILE Pro, LASIK, PRK, PRESBYOND), cataract surgery, implantable contact lenses, refractive lens exchange, dry eye treatment, paediatric ophthalmology, and vitreoretinal surgery. The clinic employs 20 world-class ophthalmologists across 7 locations covering the widest range of eye conditions and subspecialties in the country.

Product overview

Auckland Eye is New Zealand's largest private ophthalmology group offering a comprehensive portfolio of eye care services. The core offering includes four laser vision correction procedures: SMILE Pro (the most advanced option), LASIK, PRK, and PRESBYOND for presbyopia. Vision correction services encompass cataract surgery, implantable contact lenses (ICL), and refractive lens exchange (RLEX). Specialty services include the Dry Eye Clinic with IPL therapy, paediatric eye care with dedicated surgeons, vitreo-retinal surgery, a genetic eye disease clinic, and a myopia control clinic for children. The group also operates a clinical trials program enabling patients to access experimental treatments. Multiple clinic locations across Auckland provide accessibility, with the main surgical facility in Remuera operating in partnership with Oasis Surgical.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery Small incision lenticule extraction - the most advanced laser vision correction technology using a computer-guided femtosecond laser (VISUMAX 800) to create and remove a precise lens-shaped disc of tissue within the cornea. It is a fully blade-free procedure completed in under 10 seconds. Offered at $3,200 per eye or $6,400 for both eyes.
• LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis - a two-step, two-laser process where a femtosecond laser creates microscopic bubbles to form a flap, then an excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct vision. Offered at $3,200 per eye or $6,400 for both eyes.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) Surface ablation surgery where the superficial corneal layer is removed so the underlying tissue can be reshaped with an excimer laser to correct vision. Offered at $3,200 per eye or $6,400 for both eyes.
• PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision Advanced LASIK treatment that increases the depth of field of each eye using blended vision, offering a range of vision at all distances - near, intermediate, and far. Auckland Eye is the only clinic in Auckland offering this treatment. Offered at $3,200 per eye or $6,400 for both eyes.
• Cataract Surgery
• Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLEX)
• Paediatric Eye Care
• Dry Eye Clinic Specialist dry eye treatment clinic offering IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction and comprehensive treatment for dry eye syndrome. The only private institution in Auckland with a dedicated Dry Eye Clinic.
• Vitreoretinal (VR) Surgery Surgical retina procedures performed at Takapuna location, including treatment for retinal tears, detachments, macular holes, and epiretinal membrane. Performed by surgical retina ophthalmologists.
• Clinical Trials Program Phase 2-4 commercial clinical trials for pharmaceutical and medical device companies across cornea, cataract, dry eye, glaucoma, retina, uveitis, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, strabismus, and paediatrics. Current trials include CoMpass Study, i-SIGHT2 AMD Study, PRISM Pterygium Study, and TIGRIS Glaucoma/Cataract Study.

Quantifiable outcome

• First iStent Infinite surgery in Australasia performed at Auckland Eye in July 2022
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Freedom MobilityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFreedom Mobility is a preferred supplier providing discounted companion driving services for Auckland Eye patients. The partnership offers patients reduced rates on transport to and from appointments, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ACC-funded journeys, and airport transfers. Auckland Eye patients use code AUCKLAND EYE to receive discounts.
• Oasis SurgicalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOasis Surgical is Auckland's premier day-stay eye surgery facility designed for leading eye surgeons and surgical specialists in other fields. Both Auckland Eye and Oasis Surgical are the only procedure and consulting group in Auckland accredited by DAA group for quality patient care. Oasis Surgical is co-located with Auckland Eye's primary clinic in Remuera and shares the same ownership group.
• Health Insurance ProviderscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAuckland Eye is affiliated with all major health insurance providers including Southern Cross, NIB, AIA, Accuro, Partners Life, Unimed, and Police Health. Patients can request comprehensive quotes for insurance pre-approval.
• Aotearoa Charity Hospital Trust (ARCH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuckland Eye ophthalmologists participate in ARCH, providing free cataract surgery for patients ineligible for publicly funded surgery and without financial support for private surgery. ARCH operates out of established private facilities including Auckland Eye.
• Sight for AllminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeveral Auckland Eye ophthalmologists (Dr Justin Mora, Dr Stuart Carroll, Dr Stephen Best) volunteer with Sight for All, an Australian charity aiming to eliminate vision loss in developing countries. They train paediatric ophthalmologists in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
• RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuckland Eye ophthalmologists hold leadership positions within RANZCO including Censor-in-Chief (Dr Justin Mora), NZ Branch Chair, and Board Director roles. They participate in RANZCO examinations, curriculum development, and registrar training.
• VOSO (Voluntary Ophthalmic Surgery Overseas)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr David Pendergrast is a trustee for VOSO, an organisation coordinating voluntary optometric and ophthalmic services to Pacific island states.
• International Clinical Trial PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuckland Eye participates in international clinical trials through partnerships with pharmaceutical and medical device companies. They have contributed to FDA approvals for products including Acufocus corneal inlay, Oculeve dry eye device, True Tears, and Tecnis Symfony IOL.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Singapore National Eye Centre (Singapore): Large specialty ophthalmology centre in Singapore offering comprehensive eye care, advanced surgery, and clinical research. Regional comparable for clinical research scale and subspecialty depth, though operating in a different geography and predominantly public-sector model.
• Southern Eye Specialists (New Zealand): NZ private ophthalmology provider offering cataract and other ophthalmic services in the South Island. Comparable NZ private ophthalmology model serving a regional (rather than Auckland) catchment.

Direct peers

• Eye Institute (New Zealand): One of Auckland's principal competing private ophthalmology groups, offering laser vision correction, cataract surgery, and subspecialty eye care to NZ patients. Directly comparable business model, target market, and service portfolio to Auckland Eye.
• Centre for Sight (United Kingdom): UK private ophthalmology provider specialising in laser eye surgery (including SMILE), lens replacement, and cataract procedures. Directly comparable elective vision-correction focus and premium pricing model.
• Optical Express (United Kingdom / Europe): One of Europe's largest private providers of laser eye surgery, lens surgery, and cataract procedures with a multi-clinic rollout model. Comparable high-volume elective refractive surgery business.
• Bowen Eye Clinic (Australia): Private ophthalmology clinic offering LASIK, cataract, and other vision correction procedures in Australia. Comparable private-practice ophthalmology model with elective surgery focus.
• Vision Eye Institute (Australia): Australia's largest private ophthalmology provider, operating multiple clinics across major cities offering LASIK, cataract, and subspecialty ophthalmology services. Closest cross-Tasman analogue in scale, multi-site private model, and service breadth.
• TLC Laser Eye Centers (United States): Large US private laser vision correction chain offering LASIK and other refractive procedures across multiple locations. Comparable multi-site elective ophthalmology business model.

Broad incumbents

• Moorfields Eye Hospital (United Kingdom): Internationally renowned ophthalmic institution providing the full spectrum of eye care including complex surgery and clinical research. Broader incumbent providing comprehensive eye care rather than elective-only focus, useful as a specialty capability benchmark.

Others

• Heidelberg Engineering (ophthalmic diagnostic technology): Global manufacturer of ophthalmic diagnostic imaging systems used in clinical practice and trials. Adjacent ecosystem participant supplying the diagnostic technology underlying Auckland Eye's imaging and clinical research capabilities.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCezBqDGgTcRn8LQf1OrT48A
• Facebookfacebook.com/aucklandeyenz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/10100499
• Instagraminstagram.com/aucklandeye
• Xx.com/Akl_Eye

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Auckland Eye