About Your Surgeon

DR ROBIN ABELL

MBBS (Hons 1), MMed, FRANZCO, FWCRS

General Ophthalmology, Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgery

Philosophy of Care: Access & Compassion
Dr Robin Abell is a specialist ophthalmologist serving patients in Hobart, Launceston and Melbourne. His practice is driven by a core belief: medicine is about providing care where it is needed most.

To fulfil this mission, Dr Abell has an expanded practice that includes regular consulting and operating sessions in Hobart and Launceston, bringing specialist expertise to the Tasmanian community as the sole corneal specialist surgeon in the state, while maintaining a steadfast practice in Melbourne. He combines academic rigour with a patient-centric philosophy, ensuring that every surgical plan is tailored to the patient’s specific lifestyle and visual needs to optimise visual outcomes.

Patient Access & Dual-City Care
Dr Abell operates on a rotating schedule, ensuring dedicated time in each city. Whether you are a long-term patient in Hobart or a new patient in Melbourne, you will receive the same high standard of focused care.

• Continuity of Care: Telehealth appointments may be available for reviews when Dr Abell is interstate. Please speak to reception to discuss your options.
• Accessibility: By maintaining regular lists in both states, Dr Abell ensures that specialist corneal and cataract services remain accessible to both metropolitan and regional communities.

Clinical Expertise & Precision
Dr Abell specialises in cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, and refractive laser surgery. He is dedicated to precision in eye care through the adoption of evidence-based technologies.

• Cataract Surgery: Dr Abell was an early adopter of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. He offers both premium and standard intraocular lens (IOL) options, including multifocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF), and monovision lenses. He also uses the latest AI-built spiral design lenses and is up-to-date with the latest technology coming out of Europe and the USA.
• Refractive Laser Surgery: Utilising the Wavelight platform, Dr Abell performs advanced LASIK and “no-touch” PRK. He uses Contoura Vision topography-guided LASIK and Phorcides Analytic Software to guide customised laser treatments.
• ICL Surgery: For patients requiring correction of high myopia or astigmatism, or those with thin corneas, Dr Abell offers ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery. This additive technology preserves the natural structure of the eye while delivering sharp, high-definition vision. He utilises high-frequency ultrasound and advanced sizing calculators to ensure precise lens positioning and long-term safety.
• Corneal Surgery: He is highly skilled in modern corneal techniques, including DMEK (Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty) for Fuchs’ Dystrophy, and DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty) for Keratoconus, and is one of the few surgeons in Australia performing “BOOST” oxygen-assisted corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus.

Academic Background & Authority
Born in Hobart, Dr Abell graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Tasmania (UTAS). He was admitted to the Golden Key Society for academic distinction. He completed a Masters of Medicine in Ophthalmic Sciences at the University of Sydney and a two-year Cataract Surgery Research Fellowship at the Launceston Eye Institute.