Dr John-Paul Blanc has dedicated his career to improving access to critical eye care for patients on the Fraser Coast and beyond. Twenty years ago, he opened his ophthalmology practice in Hervey Bay. He now has 33,000 registered patients on his books and performs surgeries at St Stephen’s Hospital. Providing specialist care close to home, without the long drive to Brisbane, is something he’s proud of.

“Being able to see is important to people’s quality of life,” he said. “Even the distance between Maryborough and Hervey Bay; if we didn’t go to Maryborough, a lot of patients would lose their vision because transport is difficult.”

Despite a demanding schedule delivering modern ophthalmology, including cataract surgery and treatment for macular degeneration, Dr Blanc somehow finds time to volunteer in the Pacific Islands.

He regularly travels to Tonga to perform life-changing cataract surgery, often receiving roast pigs and crafts as a “thanks” from local communities. He’s also contributed to the progress of Tonga’s healthcare system. “Now they have their own local ophthalmologist and nurses who do amazing work, without our help.” The cause is rewarding and personal. “I enjoy Polynesian culture and the Pacific, as my mother is from Tahiti.”

The development of eye injections to treat macular degeneration is the most significant advancement in his career, he said. He administers around 3,000 doses of the “highly effective” treatment each year. “There used to be nothing you could do, and you just went blind. “It’s made an enormous difference.”

Having graduated from medical school in New Zealand and completed specialist training in the UK and Canada, Dr Blanc has travelled widely but loves living on the Fraser Coast. “It’s the people I enjoy the most, they’re just really nice.”

For more information on the local services provided by

Dr John-Paul Blanc, visit https://ststephenshospital.com.au/doctors/blanc