Retinal Laser & Light Therapy
The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye — a bit like the film in a camera. When it's damaged, your sight is at risk. Looking after the retina is Dr Leong's main focus, using gentle, modern treatments to protect your vision.
Laser treatment for the retina
A retinal laser is used to seal or strengthen weak spots at the back of the eye — for example, to treat damage caused by diabetes, or to stop a small tear turning into something more serious. It's guided by detailed scans so it's precise, and it's done right here in the clinic.
Light therapy for macular degeneration
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of losing central vision as we get older, and there haven't been many treatments for it. Light therapy — you may also hear it called photobiomodulation — is a newer, gentle option that uses specific wavelengths of light, with no needles and no surgery.
Whether it's likely to help you depends on your eyes, so we check with a detailed scan first and talk you through what to expect.
Getting the diagnosis right
Before any treatment, we take detailed scans of your retina and its tiny blood vessels. Seeing exactly what's happening means we can treat the right thing in the right place — and often pick up changes early, before you'd notice them yourself.
Signs to get checked
- New floaters or flashes of light
- A shadow or curtain across your vision
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Straight lines that look wavy or bent
- A gradual loss of fine, central detail
- Diabetes — even with no change in your vision
Recognise these? Book a consultation and we'll help you get to the bottom of it.
Your treatment journey
Referral & first visit
Getting to the cause
Most people come to us on referral from an optometrist, GP or diabetes team. We start by understanding your history and what has changed in your vision.
Detailed scans
Seeing the retina clearly
We take detailed scans of the back of your eye, including its blood vessels, so any change is picked up early and precisely.
Diagnosis & plan
A plan made for your eye
Dr Leong explains what he has found in plain language and talks through whether it's best to keep an eye on things, use laser, or try light therapy.
Treatment
Gentle, in-clinic care
Laser or light therapy is carried out in the clinic. Most treatments are quick, comfortable with numbing drops where needed, and you go home the same day.
Monitoring
Protecting your sight over time
Retinal conditions are managed for the long term. We see you for regular imaging and review so treatment can be adjusted as your eyes change.
“Retinal disease is often silent until sight is already at risk. My focus is catching change early with the best scans available, and treating precisely — protecting the vision you have for as long as possible.”
Dr James Leong — Ophthalmologist, FRANZCO
A calm, purpose-built clinic in Te Aro
From the moment you arrive, everything is designed around unhurried, personal care — modern technology in a space that feels calm, not clinical.
See the clinic
Common questions
Is retinal laser treatment painful?
How do I know if light therapy is right for me?
I have diabetes — should I get my eyes checked?
Do I need a referral?
Ready to see clearly?
Book a consultation with Dr Leong, or call the clinic to talk it through. We're here to help you see your very best.