Our Eye Specialist
Dr Juanita Pappalardo
BPharm MBBS FRANZCO
Dr Pappalardo began her medical studies at the University of Queensland School of Medicine, where she was awarded an MBBS with First Class Honours and a University Medal in Medicine.
I am a comprehensive ophthalmologist consulting at Valley Eye Specialists in Fortitude Valley.
I am currently the only ophthalmologist in Brisbane accredited as a P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® PARTNER.
I have undergone subspecialist training in the surgical management of pterygium with Professor Lawrence Hirst, the pioneer of the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® procedure. This technique has been refined through careful adjustments to existing surgical approaches over the past two decades. It has been employed in over 4,000 patients, demonstrating success rates that are among the best reported in the world’s scientific literature. The technique is distinguished not only by its effectiveness in preventing recurrence of the pterygium, but also by its superior cosmetic outcomes. It is often difficult or impossible to discern that an eye has undergone surgery once healing is complete.
See my results: www.drjuanitapappalardo.com.au/conditions/pterygium/
I would be pleased to consult with you and help you to understand more about your options for managing your pterygium. You may wish to consider surgical removal of your pterygium if it causes discomfort or cosmetic concern. Additionally it is important to understand the best timing for surgery if your pterygium has undergone recent growth and is at risk of impacting on your quality of vision.
I perform pterygium surgery with the assistance of a qualified Specialist Anaesthetist who will administer an anaesthetic block around your eye combined with either sedation or full general anaesthesia (this decision will depend upon an individual’s preference and suitability) at both Brisbane Day Surgery (Spring Hill) and North West Private Hospital (Everton Park).
Dr Pappalardo completed her internship and residency at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane before undertaking her ophthalmology residency at the City Eye Centre and the Mater Adult’s and Mater Children’s Hospitals in Brisbane. She then underwent specialist Ophthalmology training, rotating through major ophthalmology units within Brisbane and the Gold Coast. During her training, she was awarded the prestigious Filipic Greer Medal for overall outstanding performance in Ophthalmic Pathology in Australia and New Zealand.
Throughout her Fellowship, Dr Pappalardo has undertaken further training in the correct assessment and meticulous surgical management of pterygium with Professor Lawrence Hirst, the pioneer of the P.E.R.F.E.C.T for PTERYGIUM ® procedure, and this is a particular area of interest she maintains.
She has additionally undergone sub-specialist training in adult and paediatric medical retina and inherited retinal diseases/ophthalmic genetics at the Lions Eye Institute in Perth under the mentorship of Dr Fred Chen. She has experience in ocular oncology, furthered through training at the Queensland Ocular Oncology Service.
Dr Pappalardo consults privately at Valley Eye Specialists in Fortitude Valley, and is a Visiting Medical Officer at the Queensland Children’s Hospital where she provides an Ocular Genetics service and actively participates in registrar teaching. She performs surgery at private day surgery and hospital facilities throughout Brisbane, including Queensland Eye Hospital, North West Private Hospital and North Lakes Day Hospital.
Having recently published in international journals in the field of ocular genetics, Dr Pappalardo maintains a keen and ongoing interest in research. She also likes to attempt to balance out her busy weeks by spending time with her husband four children – mostly by enjoying the great outdoors.
Dr Pappalardo enjoys all aspects of general ophthalmology, and spends particular time in getting to know her patients and assessing their needs thoroughly. Her areas of particular interest include:
Dr Pappalardo’s areas of particular interest include:
- Pterygium surgery
- Diabetic eye disease
- Glaucoma
- General paediatric and adult ophthalmic conditions
- Macular degeneration