Perth, Western Australia – 26 August 2025
The Lions Eye Institute is proud to announce a $14.1 million redevelopment of its theatre complex at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (QEIIMC) in Nedlands.
Visuals of the Nedlands theatre complex redevelopment
This marks the Institute’s largest investment it has made in its facilities 30 years, underscoring its commitment to delivering world-class eye health care and innovation for Western Australians.
Designed by leading architects Hames Sharley, the redevelopment will transform the existing facilities into a state-of-the-art ophthalmic theatre complex.
Key upgrades include a complete redesign of the theatre complex, increasing the size of two operating theatres, creating a dedicated Laser Vision suite and modernisation of outpatient spaces to improve comfort and capacity.
“This redevelopment represents a significant milestone in the Institute’s history, as we continue to invest in the future of eye care,” said Dr Glen Power, managing director of the Lions Eye Institute.
“By modernising this complex, patient facilities will be made more comfortable and efficient, with new reception and waiting areas, new ophthalmic testing areas and shared facilities.”
Visuals of the Nedlands theatre complex redevelopment
Professor Chandra Balaratnasingam, medical director of the Lions Eye Institute, emphasised the community impact of this investment:
“This redevelopment is a pivotal step in modernising our clinical capabilities, including purpose-built facilities for the latest Schwind Smart Sight Laser technology. The upgraded theatres and outpatient spaces will enable us to treat more complex cases and increase surgical throughput, while also enhancing care for young patients across the state.
As a medical research institute, we have deliberately designed the new theatre complex to integrate clinical care with our laboratories and data platforms, creating a seamless pathway for translational research that will range from discovery science and prototyping through to first-in-human evaluation.
This will accelerate investigator-initiated studies and industry partnerships, expand our capacity for advanced ocular imaging and biobanking, and ensure Western Australian patients can access cutting-edge therapies sooner.”
Construction is set to commence in August 2025. The upgraded facility will also see greater numbers of paediatric patients.
There will be new consulting suites for the glaucoma, eyelid, orbital and lacrimal surgery and paediatric specialists who practise adjacent to the theatre complex, as well as the addition of space for a second paediatric ophthalmologist practicing at the Lions Eye Institute.
The Lions Eye Institute’s existing facilities see and treat several thousand inpatients for eye surgeries every year. More broadly, its outpatient clinics provide more than 80,000 specialist-led ophthalmology consultations annually.
“The redevelopment will expand and enhance our offering for patients,” said Dr Power.
“It will allow us to serve more Western Australians in a facility that meets contemporary design standards and provides greater comfort and amenity to our patients, their families and carers.
The range of advanced medical technology proposed will ensure the Institute remains at the forefront of ophthalmic care and vision research.”
The plans were developed in consultation with the WA Department of Health, internal stakeholders and end users, culminating in a refreshed design that reflects the Institute’s commitment to patient-centric care and future growth.
Key facts:
- New paediatric, glaucoma and eyelid, orbital and lacrimal surgery clinic areas opening in early 2026.
- New operating theatres and laser vision procedure room opening in 2027.
- Largest redevelopment in 30 years: Original theatres built in 1994, opened in 1996.
- $14.1 million investment: Modernisation of design and construction.
- Paediatric services expanded: First-time surgical treatment for children and introduction of WA’s second paediatric ophthalmologist.
- Enhanced capacity: Improved patient flow and increased ability to treat significantly more patients.
