Oculoplastic, Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Clear sight, carefully restored.

Dr James Dalgliesh, BSc (Biotech), MD, FRANZCO

Dr James Dalgliesh is an Australian and New Zealand trained ophthalmologist with a special interest in cataract surgery and oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery, consulting across Sydney and regional New South Wales.

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Dr James Dalgliesh

About Dr Dalgliesh

A surgeon's training in the science, a teacher's care in the clinic.

Dr James Dalgliesh is an Australian and New Zealand trained ophthalmologist with a special interest in cataract surgery and oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery. He completed his medical degree at the University of Sydney as a postgraduate student, having first completed a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biotechnology.

After medical school, James undertook his internship and residency at Concord Hospital, Sydney, before commencing his ophthalmology training in 2015 as part of the Sydney Eye Hospital network. He went on to complete a further two years of subspecialty training in oculoplastics at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand, and Sydney Eye Hospital.

After completing his fellowship at Sydney Eye Hospital, James remained with the department as a locum oculoplastic consultant. During this time he was actively involved in teaching and supervising registrars and fellows in both oculoplastics and cataract surgery.

James is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons (ANZSOPS), with extensive training in oculoplastics and general ophthalmology. He is currently a consultant VMO at Westmead Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, and Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.

BSc (Biotech)Molecular Biotechnology, prior to postgraduate medicine

MBBS (Hon)University of Sydney, postgraduate medical degree

FellowshipChristchurch Hospital, NZ

FellowshipSydney Eye Hospitals

FRANZCOFellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists

ANZSOPSMember, Australian and New Zealand Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons

New Patients

What to expect at your first visit.

Starting with a new ophthalmologist can feel like a big step. Here is what a first appointment with Dr Dalgliesh looks like, so you know exactly what to expect.

Before you arrive

A current referral letter from your GP or optometrist
Your Medicare card and private health insurance details, if applicable
A list of current medications and any known allergies
Your current glasses, contact lenses, and any previous eye reports or scans

During your appointment

First consultations typically run 30 to 45 minutes and include a full eye examination, dilation if required, and time to discuss your symptoms, treatment options and any questions you have. Please allow extra time if your eyes need to be dilated, as this can temporarily blur your vision for a few hours afterward.

Parking & access

Each consulting location has on-site or nearby street parking, and all rooms are wheelchair accessible. Contact your chosen location ahead of your visit if you have specific mobility or access needs, their details are under Locations below.

After your visit

You will leave with a clear summary of findings and next steps. If surgery or a procedure is recommended, Dr Dalgliesh will explain the process, expected recovery, and answer any questions before you decide how to proceed.

A brief introduction

Meet Dr Dalgliesh

A short introduction to Dr Dalgliesh: his qualifications, his special interests, and what new patients can expect.

Conditions & Treatments

General ophthalmology, with subspecialty depth.

Dr Dalgliesh treats the full range of adult eye conditions, with particular expertise in cataract and oculoplastic surgery.

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye's natural lens, treated with modern small-incision cataract surgery and lens replacement.

Eyelid skin cancers

Diagnosis and surgical management of skin cancers of the eyelid and periocular region, with careful reconstruction.

Lacrimal disease & DCR

Blocked or watering tear ducts, including dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery to restore normal drainage.

Ptosis

Surgical correction of drooping eyelids that affect appearance or obstruct vision.

Eyelid malposition

Correction of ectropion, entropion and other eyelid positioning problems that cause irritation or exposure.

Macular degeneration

Assessment and ongoing management of age-related macular degeneration.

Diabetic eye disease

Screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy and related complications.

Reconstructive surgery

Oculoplastic and reconstructive procedures following trauma, tumour removal or prior surgery.

General ophthalmology

Comprehensive eye examinations and management of a broad range of eye conditions.

Special Interests

Where Dr Dalgliesh focuses his surgical practice.

Special interest

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens, usually developing gradually with age. It is one of the most common and most treatable causes of blurred vision.

Comprehensive assessment of vision and lens clarity
Discussion of intraocular lens options suited to your lifestyle
Small-incision, day-surgery cataract removal and lens implantation
Structured post-operative review and recovery support

What to expect

Cataract surgery is typically performed as day surgery under local anaesthetic. Most patients notice improved clarity within days, with vision continuing to settle over several weeks.

Special interest

Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery addresses the eyelids, tear drainage system and surrounding tissue, the structures that protect and support the eye itself.

Ptosis (droopy eyelid) assessment and correction
Ectropion and entropion (eyelid malposition) repair
Lacrimal duct obstruction and DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) surgery
Eyelid skin cancer excision and reconstruction

What to expect

Most oculoplastic procedures are performed as day surgery. Dr Dalgliesh will explain the specific approach, recovery timeline and expected outcome for your individual condition at consultation.

Fees & Funding

Understanding the cost of your care.

Every treatment plan is different, so exact costs are confirmed at consultation. As a general guide:

Consultations

Medicare rebate applies

Standard consultations attract a Medicare rebate. Any out-of-pocket gap will be confirmed at time of booking.

Cataract surgery

Medicare + private health

Typically eligible for a Medicare rebate, with hospital and surgical costs covered by private health insurance depending on your level of cover. Out-of-pocket estimates are provided in writing before surgery.

Oculoplastic procedures

Varies by procedure

Some oculoplastic procedures are Medicare-eligible on medical grounds, others are cosmetic and privately funded. Dr Dalgliesh will clarify which applies to you.

All figures are general information only, not a quote. A personalised, itemised cost estimate is provided after your consultation, once your specific treatment plan is known. Please ask our team about payment plans and health fund gap cover if cost is a concern.

Locations

Consulting across Sydney and regional NSW.

Dr Dalgliesh consults at the following rooms. Contact each location directly to check current consulting days.

Sydney · Metro

Eyehouse

Shop 65B/73–109 Belmore Rd
Randwick NSW 2031

1300 967 706

Nexus Eyecare Norwest

310/4 Columbia Ct
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

(02) 9680 9100

Nexus Eyecare Blacktown

101D, Level 1, 130 Main St
Blacktown NSW 2148

(02) 9672 3055

Regional NSW

Bowral Vision

Suite 8 & 14, 70 Bowral Street
Bowral NSW 2576

(02) 4861 4955

Hamilton Eye Surgery

40 National Park St
Hamilton East NSW 2303

(02) 4961 6610

Public hospital appointments (VMO, not for direct booking) Westmead Hospital Prince of Wales Hospital Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick

For GPs & Optometrists

Referring a patient to Dr Dalgliesh

For referrals, please contact the preferred clinic directly, see Locations above for phone numbers.

Referral criteria

Standard referrals are valid for 12 months. Please include relevant history, current medications and the reason for referral.

Typical wait times

Routine consultations are generally offered within 2 to 4 weeks. Urgent cases are prioritised, please note this clearly on the referral.

Referrer resource

A one-page referral guide with criteria, fax and contact details for each clinic is available on request. Email the practice to receive a copy for your records.

Patient Reviews

Dr Dalgliesh is currently welcoming new patients across all consulting locations. Patient reviews will be added here as they come in.

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Patient FAQs

Common questions before your visit

Do I need a referral to see Dr Dalgliesh?

Most consultations require a current referral from a GP or optometrist. Please check with your chosen consulting location when booking.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your referral letter, a list of current medications, your glasses or contact lenses, and any relevant previous eye scans or reports.

Is cataract surgery covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

Cataract surgery is typically eligible for a Medicare rebate, with private health insurance covering hospital costs depending on your level of cover. Costs will be discussed at consultation.

How long does recovery from oculoplastic surgery take?

Recovery varies by procedure. Dr Dalgliesh will outline an expected timeline specific to your surgery during your consultation.

Is cataract surgery painful?

No. Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, so most patients feel no pain during the procedure, only mild pressure. Any post-operative discomfort is usually mild and settles within a day or two.

How do I book an appointment?

Contact your preferred consulting location directly using the phone numbers under Locations, or send a general enquiry through the contact form below and our team will be in touch.

What are the parking and accessibility arrangements?

All consulting rooms are wheelchair accessible with parking on-site or nearby. See the New Patients section above, or contact your chosen location for specific directions.

Can I get a cost estimate before my appointment?

General fee information is provided under Fees & Funding above. A precise, itemised estimate can only be given once Dr Dalgliesh has assessed your individual condition and treatment plan.

Contact

Get in touch

Book an appointment online, contact your preferred location directly using the phone numbers under Locations above, or send a general enquiry below.

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