Dr Peter Sumich at a Glance

About Dr Peter Sumich

Dr Peter Sumich is an experienced ophthalmic surgeon practising in Sydney, NSW, specialising in cataract surgery, complex cataract surgery, laser vision correction and refractive surgery.

He has performed more than 13,000 cataract and refractive procedures throughout his career. His surgical practice encompasses cataract surgery, refractive cataract surgery, laser vision correction and the use of contemporary intraocular lens (IOL) technologies.

Dr Sumich takes an individualised approach to eye surgery. He assesses each patient’s eye health, vision, prescription, lifestyle and visual expectations before discussing the treatment options that may be appropriate.

His specialist ophthalmology training was undertaken at Sydney Eye Hospital, following several years of medical and emergency medicine training. He subsequently completed advanced subspecialty training in corneal and cataract surgery at Bristol Eye Hospital in the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career, Dr Sumich has combined clinical practice with surgical teaching, academic appointments, research and professional leadership. He has held clinical and academic positions at major Sydney teaching hospitals and has contributed to the education and training of ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals.

Currently Dr Sumich is a Joint Medical Director at Hunter Street Eye Specialists, where he practises privately in Sydney.

Cataract Surgery

Dr Peter Sumich has extensive experience in cataract and complex cataract surgery, including refractive cataract surgery and the use of modern intraocular lens (IOL) technologies.

His specialist subspecialty training includes a dedicated Corneal and Cataract Surgery Fellowship at Bristol Eye Hospital in England, where he developed further experience in advanced cataract and corneal surgery.

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. The primary aim of cataract surgery is to improve vision affected by cataracts. Depending on a patient’s eye health, visual requirements and choice of IOL, cataract surgery may also provide an opportunity to reduce dependence on glasses.

Dr Sumich assesses each patient’s individual circumstances before discussing the available surgical and lens options. These may include different types of intraocular lenses designed to address particular visual requirements.

Complex Cataract Surgery

Some patients require more complex cataract surgery because of factors affecting the eye or the natural lens. Dr Sumich’s experience in cataract and corneal surgery provides a foundation for assessing patients with more complex surgical requirements.

The appropriate surgical approach depends on the individual patient’s eye health, previous eye surgery, ocular anatomy, visual requirements and overall circumstances.

Refractive Cataract Surgery

Refractive cataract surgery combines the treatment of cataracts with consideration of the patient’s refractive requirements.

In addition to removing the cataract, the choice of intraocular lens can influence the patient’s vision following surgery. Dr Sumich discusses available IOL technologies with patients based on their eye health, prescription, lifestyle and expectations.

Laser Eye Surgery

Dr Peter Sumich specialises in laser vision correction, including LASIK, for suitable patients who wish to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Laser vision correction uses laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. Depending on the patient’s prescription and suitability, laser eye surgery may be used to correct refractive errors including:

• Short-sightedness (myopia)
• Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism

Suitability for laser vision correction depends on a number of factors. These include the health and shape of the cornea, the stability of the prescription, overall eye health, age and individual visual requirements.

A comprehensive assessment is therefore an important part of determining whether LASIK or another form of laser vision correction is appropriate. Dr Sumich discusses the potential benefits, limitations and alternatives to laser vision correction so that patients can make an informed decision about their treatment.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery encompasses surgical procedures designed to correct refractive errors and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Dr Sumich’s experience includes both laser vision correction and refractive cataract surgery, allowing different approaches to vision correction to be considered according to a patient’s age, prescription, eye health and lifestyle.

Refractive surgery may include procedures that alter the shape or optical properties of the eye to improve focusing. The most appropriate procedure depends on the individual patient and requires assessment by an ophthalmic surgeon.

Dr Sumich has maintained an ongoing interest in developments in refractive surgery, including advances in laser vision correction, refractive lens surgery and intraocular lens technology and is highly experience in this area if ophthalmology.

Qualifications and Specialist Training

Dr Peter Sumich graduated with Honours from the University of New South Wales in 1990.

Following medical graduation, he initially worked as a Resident Medical Officer at Royal North Shore Hospital, where he developed an interest in emergency medicine. During this period, he was awarded the Australasian Gold Medal for the Emergency Medicine Primary Sciences Examination.

Dr Sumich subsequently completed four years of Emergency Medicine registrar training before transferring to ophthalmology.

Specialist Ophthalmology Training – Sydney Eye Hospital

Dr Sumich undertook specialist ophthalmology training at Sydney Eye Hospital, graduating as an ophthalmic surgeon in 2001.

During his final year of training, he was selected as the Professorial Senior Registrar. In this position, he worked with the University of Sydney Department of Ophthalmology, gaining further experience in the management of complex eye disease while developing his academic and teaching experience.

Corneal and Cataract Surgery Fellowship – Bristol Eye Hospital

Following completion of specialist ophthalmology training, Dr Sumich was awarded the Sir Norman Rose Travelling Scholarship.

He travelled to England to undertake further subspecialty surgical training, completing a Corneal and Cataract Surgery Fellowship at Bristol Eye Hospital. This international fellowship provided advanced training and further experience in corneal and cataract surgery and exposure to specialist ophthalmic surgical techniques.

In recognition of his specialist training, Dr Sumich was granted registration as a specialist eye surgeon in Britain by the relevant British ophthalmic authority.

Hospital and Academic Appointments

Dr Sumich has held a number of clinical, teaching and academic appointments throughout his ophthalmic career.

Sydney Eye Hospital – Associate Eye Surgeon

Dr Sumich maintains an association with Sydney Eye Hospital, one of Australia’s major ophthalmic teaching hospitals.

Westmead Hospital – Consultant Eye Surgeon

During his time at Westmead Hospital, Dr Sumich was involved in the training and education of ophthalmology registrars, including providing instruction in cataract surgery.

University of Sydney – Clinical Lecturer

Dr Sumich has contributed to the education of medical students, ophthalmology trainees and other healthcare professionals through his academic role with the University of Sydney Department of Ophthalmology and the Save Sight Institute.

His career has therefore incorporated three complementary areas of ophthalmology: patient care, surgical training and research.

Professional Memberships and Leadership

Dr Peter Sumich has maintained longstanding involvement in professional ophthalmic organisations in Australia and internationally.

He is a current member of:

• Australian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (AUSCRS)
• American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
• Australian Medical Association (AMA)

Dr Sumich has also held senior professional leadership positions, including:

• Chairman of the Independent Ophthalmologists Network
• Executive of the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists
• Member of a State Government Ophthalmic Services Advisory Committee

He regularly presents lectures and seminars at medical conferences in Australia and overseas and participates in international professional networks. These professional activities provide opportunities to exchange knowledge with ophthalmologists and other specialists and to remain informed about developments in cataract, refractive and laser vision correction surgery.

Research, Publications and Ophthalmic Education

Research and medical education have been an important part of Dr Sumich’s career.

His research involvement has included ophthalmic studies relating to cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation and other areas of eye health.

Earlier in his career, Dr Sumich was involved with the Blue Mountains Eye Study, a major Australian population-based study investigating eye health and vision. His involvement included research into the prevalence and characteristics of choroidal nevi in an Australian population.

He also participated in research investigating potential new drug therapies for corneal transplant rejection, involving collaboration between researchers and clinicians from universities in Sydney, Bristol and Nottingham.

Dr Sumich has also published research relating to pseudophakic accommodation and cataract surgery.

He has served as Section Editor for Cataract and Refractive Surgery for the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, now associated with the Australian Journal of Ophthalmology.

Dr Sumich’s involvement in research, teaching and professional education complements his clinical work and contributes to his continuing engagement with developments in contemporary ophthalmology.

Dr Peter Sumich’s Approach to Patient Care

Dr Peter Sumich believes that successful eye surgery begins with understanding each patient’s individual needs, circumstances and expectations.

His approach involves assessing the health of the eyes, understanding the patient’s visual requirements and discussing the available treatment options before recommending an appropriate surgical approach.

For patients considering cataract surgery, laser vision correction or refractive surgery, Dr Sumich aims to provide clear information about the potential benefits, limitations and alternatives associated with the available options. Treatment decisions are individualised according to factors including eye health, vision, prescription, lifestyle and the patient’s expectations.

Dr Sumich continues to update his knowledge and surgical skills as developments in ophthalmic surgery and technology evolve, with a commitment to providing evidence-based ophthalmic care.

Book a consultation with Dr Peter Sumich

Dr Peter Sumich is the joint Medical Director, practising privately at Hunter Street Eye Specialists in Parramatta, Sydney, NSW.

If you are considering cataract surgery, laser vision correction or a refractive procedure, Dr Peter Sumich can assess your individual circumstances and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for you. At your consultation, Dr Sumich can assess your eye health and vision, discuss your individual visual requirements and explain the treatment options that may be appropriate for your circumstances.

To arrange an appointment or find out more about consulting with Dr Peter Sumich, please contact Hunter Street Eye Specialists. 

Frequently Asked Questions