[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”270deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 61%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” background_color_gradient_end_position=”61%” background_image=”https:\/\/southerneye.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dr-Pon-1.jpg” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”200px||100px||false|false” hover_transition_duration=”2000ms” hover_transition_speed_curve=”ease-in-out” scroll_scaling=”0|50|50|100|100%|100%|150%” motion_trigger_start=”bottom” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_css_main_element__hover_enabled=”off|hover” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” width=”90%” max_width=”2560px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”60px” header_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”34px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”18px” header_3_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_4_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_2_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjU3MSJ9fQ==@” button_text=”Book an appointment” button_alignment=”right” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”19px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#2B7FA0″ button_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” button_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#967839″ min_height=”200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”50px||50px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”18px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”31px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|54px||||” custom_margin_tablet=”|54px||||” custom_margin_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|437px||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width_phone=”100%” sticky_enabled=”0″ max_width_tablet=”90%”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She is a director here at Southern Eye Specialists and is also involved with registrar training and education At The Eye Clinic at Christchurch Hospital, <\/span>where she jointly leads the neuro-ophthalmic service. <\/span>Her main interest is in the management of eyelid malignancies and reconstruction, cataract surgery, neuro-ophthalmology and strabismus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”270deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.75) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(0,0,0,0.75)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/southerneye.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dr-Pon-5.jpg” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”260px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_color_gradient_direction_phone=”360deg” background_color_gradient_stops_phone=”rgba(0,0,0,0.75) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 70%” use_background_color_gradient_phone=”on” background_position_phone=”center” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”48px” header_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”34px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”18px” header_3_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_text_color=”#2B7FA0″ header_4_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”400px” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”30px||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”hidden section” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.75em” width=”100%” max_width=”75%” max_width_tablet=”75%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Be it within a diagnosis, or during an interview, there\u2019s a reason such straightforward responses are a \u2018breath of fresh air\u201d. It\u2019s Jo-Anne\u2019s easy-going manner and carefully considered answers that are so refreshing for her patients (and for the occasional interviewer too).<\/p>\n \u201cI like to be able to do something everyday that can help someone,\u201d says Jo. \u201cThere\u2019s so much job satisfaction being able to do something that can make such a positive difference in people\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn some ways it was really lucky as it does suit my personality,\u201d she says. \u201cAfter all, when you\u2019re eighteen and leaving school, what do you really know about the big wide world? You\u2019re often making these decisions the implications of which you can\u2019t possibly know. Thankfully I arrived at it (medical training) somewhat intuitively.\u201d<\/p>\n This training took place in South Africa before she arrived in New Zealand in 1998 to seek out a career here. After undertaking ophthalmology training in Dunedin, Hamilton, Auckland and Christchurch she then spent a year as a Senior Registrar at Melbourne\u2019s Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.<\/p>\n From there her fellowship took her to the Vancouver General Hospital in Canada, where she did further training in oculoplastics and neuro-ophthalmology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.75em” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#c09c72″ header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”|||10%|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||10%|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0%|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.75em” width=”100%” max_width=”75%” max_width_tablet=”75%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In 2010 she returned to Christchurch and took up work as a consultant ophthalmologist. While described as \u201cone of the nicest doctors at SES\u201d, Jo-Anne is also highly regarded for her diligence and overall expertise.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cShe is often doing lots of investigation on patients with rare problems to work out how best to treat them,\u201d says a colleague.<\/p>\n Jo-Anne has a reputation for being \u201ca true general ophthalmologist\u201d, as she has, as another colleague states, \u201cthe skills to handle just about any eye problem and the expertise to undertake some of the hardest ophthalmology work.\u201d This expertise involves efforts in three main specialist areas neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics and strabismus.<\/p>\n \u201cNeuro-ophthalmology involves anything to do with the optic nerves and any issues that involve the vision pathways in the brain,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cVisual field problems can be caused by a neurological condition, which may impact on whether a patient can drive or not. Or it may be that there are brain tumours that are compressing on parts of the vision pathways.\u201d<\/p>\n While patients can initially present with vision problems there can be something far more serious behind the symptoms. Sometimes Jo-Anne will be the first to makes such a diagnosis.<\/p>\n \u201cOf all ophthalmology sub-specialties, neuro-ophthalmology has the highest chance of conditions that can be fatal,\u201d she says. \u201cSo there\u2019s lots of scary stuff to deal with and, sometimes, some very sad and challenging situations.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2B7FA0″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/southerneye.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dr-Pon-2.jpeg” title_text=”Dr Pon 2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”align-self:center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.75em” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”70%” max_width_tablet=”70%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.75em” width=”100%” max_width=”75%” max_width_tablet=”75%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The dedication to uncovering the source of an issue is always interesting to the busy doctor, Jo-Anne stating that \u201cyou\u2019re almost like a detective with how you go about problem solving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n She also regularly works in oculoplastics (\u201cI treat the lid tumours, malignancies and benign spots, with removal and reconstruction and other eyelid conditions such as droopy eyelids and inturned eyelids\u201d), and strabismus \u2013 which is when eyes are misaligned.<\/p>\n The latter is again a condition requiring thorough investigation.<\/p>\n \u201cIt (strabismus) can be a childhood developmental issue or it could be heralding something that\u2019s going on in the brain, which will affect the muscles meant to keep the eyes aligned and then might cause double vision. Or it could be trauma related.\u201d<\/p>\n The intricate and high-stakes work benefits from Jo-Anne\u2019s overall \u2018ego-lite\u2019 approach.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel so lucky to have such great relationships with all of my colleagues. I know that if I have a difficult time I can go to them to get a second opinion. It\u2019s beneficial for my patients.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m never going to be someone who pretends to know everything. I\u2019m always happy to acknowledge that when the occasional unusual case presents itself,\u201d she says. \u201cI might be able to find the right answer or I might need to go get help. Irrespective, I\u2019m going to do everything in my power to find that answer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBefore seeing me, some testing and work-up may be required. The patient might need to see an orthoptist, have a visual field test, a scan, a photograph. That\u2019s one thing people may not realize \u2013 how much of a team effort this is.\u201d<\/p>\n This team-based approach to patient care is vital to get it right.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”605.6px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/southerneye.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dr-Pon-3.jpg” title_text=”Dr Pon 3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}” max_width__hover_enabled=”off|hover”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.75em” width=”100%” max_width=”70%” max_width_tablet=”70%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cOptometrists are well trained and their referral letters are really helpful. They will often provide the information we need. We have nurses and technicians to test and work-up our patients and we\u2019re all backed by the diligence of our secretaries and admin staff.\u201d<\/p>\n It is a sense of community that extends to her ongoing patients, who she might need to see one or two times a year.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a big part of the job satisfaction,\u201d says Jo-Anne. \u201cEven if it\u2019s just for ten or fifteen minutes it\u2019s important to make a connection, so a patient doesn\u2019t feel like they\u2019re just a pair of eyes,\u201d she says. \u201cWe understand the complexity of their lives and want them to be able to make the most of their vision.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s for this reason that she finds cataract surgery so immensely rewarding, \u201cwhen people hug me and tell me that I\u2019ve changed their life that\u2019s so humbling.\u201d<\/p>\n Along with the achievement comes the regular challenge of managing an extremely busy clinical workload, one that is increasing industry-wide says Jo-Anne.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also nice to see recognition that a work\/life balance is actually incredibly healthy. In days gone by, it felt like if you didn\u2019t work hard enough there would eyebrows raised and you would be judged. There simply wasn\u2019t the recognition that a proper balance meant you could actually perform better in your work.\u201d<\/p>\n Away from the clinics she\u2019s focusing on a different kind of performance, finding the time to fall back in love with music.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2B7FA0″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/southerneye.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dr-Pon-4.jpeg” title_text=”Dr Pon 4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.75em” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”50%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.75em” width=”100%” max_width=”70%” max_width_tablet=”70%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cI learned the piano as a kid and now I\u2019m learning to play the cello,\u201d she says. \u201cI started to support my son, who was 14 when he began. Initially I was streets ahead \u2013 but within two years he leap-frogged me.\u201d<\/p>\n While she has been in NZ for a long time, and misses family in South Africa, she wouldn\u2019t trade places as \u201cthere\u2019s just so much to love about NZ \u2013 so much freedom to move and so many places to see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m quite interested in sustainable living and I really like driving an electric car,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”270deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.75) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(0,0,0,0.75)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/southerneye.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dr-Pon-5.jpg” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”260px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”48px” header_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”34px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”23px” header_3_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_text_color=”#2B7FA0″ header_4_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”400px” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”right” custom_padding=”||||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2b7fa0 50%|#103961 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#2b7fa0″ background_color_gradient_start_position=”50%” background_color_gradient_end=”#103961″ link_option_url=”\/dr-john-rawstron” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/southerneye.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Dr-Rawstron-1.jpg” title_text=”Screen Shot 2021-06-23 at 7.25.49 AM” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Meet Dr John Rawstron<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2b7fa0 50%|#103961 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#2b7fa0″ background_color_gradient_start_position=”50%” background_color_gradient_end=”#103961″ link_option_url=”\/dr-jim-borthwick-2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/southerneye.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screen-Shot-2021-06-23-at-6.53.12-AM.png” title_text=”Screen Shot 2021-06-23 at 6.53.12 AM” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”-0.5px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Meet Dr Jim Borthwick<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Dr Jo-Anne Pon is a consultant ophthalmologist with subspecialty interests in oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology and strabismus. She is also an experienced cataract surgeon.<\/h3>\n
The point of view<\/span><\/h1>\n
Some doctors might deliver abstraction and pontificating when asked why they joined the profession. For Dr Jo-Anne Pon the answer is clear-cut. \u201cI wanted to do something to help people,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd I\u2019m no good at art\u2026 and I\u2019m not great with numbers!<\/b><\/h3>\n
\u201cNeuro-ophthalmology involves anything to do with the optic nerves and any issues that involve the vision pathways in the brain\u201d<\/h2>\n
\u201cI\u2019m never going to be someone who pretends to know everything. I\u2019m always happy to acknowledge that when the occasional unusual case presents itself.\u201d<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u201c\u2026there\u2019s just so much to love about NZ \u2013 so much freedom to move and so many places to see.\u201d<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cEven if it\u2019s just for ten or fifteen minutes it\u2019s important to make a connection, so a patient doesn\u2019t feel like they\u2019re just a pair of eyes. We understand the complexity of their lives and want them to be able to make the most of their vision.\u201d<\/h3>\n