Charbel completed his ophthalmology training and a previous retina fellowship at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires in Argentina, and his subspecialty focus is vitreoretinal surgery.
He chose to undertake this Fellowship for the opportunity to train in a high-volume, tertiary referral centre with exposure to a broad spectrum of pathology. He also sees this year as a chance for meaningful growth—both technical refinement and the personal challenge that comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
During his Fellowship year, Charbel hopes to improve precision and confidence in managing complex cases. Beyond technical ability, he’s especially focused on understanding the rationale behind different surgical approaches to strengthen clinical judgement and decision-making.
His longer-term goal centres on compassionate patient care—recognising that behind every eye is a person whose life can be deeply affected by what clinicians do. Preserving vision, he notes, profoundly impacts independence and quality of life, and he views that responsibility as both a privilege and a commitment.
After completing the Fellowship, Charbel Viñolo Chaca intends to return to Buenos Aires to practise vitreoretinal surgery and apply the skills and perspective gained during his time in Sydney. He also hopes to share his experience with colleagues and trainees in his home community.
He feels especially drawn to caring for patients with diabetic retinopathy, emphasising the human side of supporting people who may be living with diabetes for years and who fear losing independence through vision loss.
Outside the hospital, Charbel is looking forward to experiencing the Australian lifestyle—where professional dedication coexists with time outdoors, good coffee, and life by the sea. And donors may enjoy this: he truly enjoys singing and has even considered joining a choir while in Sydney.
Support the Fellowship Program
If you would like to support the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation Fellowship Program, call us on 02 9382 7415 or donate.
