Dr Johannes Keller’s journey through the Vitreoretinal Fellowship at Sydney Eye Hospital in 2015 not only advanced his skills in ophthalmology but also opened the door to new opportunities and a lasting impact on eye health.
A former Fellow at the Bristol Eye Hospital in England, Dr Keller reflects on how his time at Sydney Eye Hospital shaped both his professional life and personal experiences.
Before joining the fellowship, Dr Keller was working as a vitreo-retinal surgery fellow in the UK.
“I was attracted to the fellowship in Sydney for the excellent educational reputation and the opportunity to experience a different healthcare system and living abroad,” he says.
The chance to immerse himself in a new culture while receiving world-class training is what drew Dr Keller to Sydney Eye Hospital.
On completing his fellowship, Dr Keller was already appointed as a consultant at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
“I left the fellowship having already been appointed consultant at the Bristol Eye Hospital,” he shares.
This quick transition into a leadership role speaks to the strength of the training he received at Sydney Eye Hospital, where he honed not only his technical skills but also his leadership abilities.
Today, Dr Keller is a lead for vitreo-retinal surgery and oversees a fellowship training program in the UK.
“I am in charge of our own fellowship training program at the Bristol Eye Hospital,” he says.
He also plays a key role in community cataract surgery and primary care ophthalmology. His work is helping to maintain an excellent standard of retinal surgery care in his region, while improving the quality of cataract surgery at a regional level.
Looking back on his year in Sydney, Dr Keller highlights the personal growth he experienced.
“I gained experience of living in a country different from the stereotype we have in England. I travelled widely and got exposed to Australian culture and parts of Asia,” he explains. He also adds with a smile, “I’ve never worked so hard!”
As for his life outside of ophthalmology, Dr Keller shares a fun personal tidbit indicating how his time in Australia clearly left a lasting mark on both his career and lifestyle.
“I’ve grown to be a 'centrist dad'. No surprises from me. I can cook a tasty shrimp on a barbie,” he says.
Linda Fagan, CEO of the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation, share how proud the Foundation is of Fellows like Dr Keller.
“The impact of the Sydney Eye Hospital Fellowship program is clear,” she says. “Dr Keller’s success and leadership in the field of ophthalmology is a testament to the high-quality training we provide. We take pride in supporting his journey and witnessing how he continues to improve eye health worldwide.”
Dr Keller’s story is a wonderful example of how the Sydney Eye Hospital Fellowship program shapes the future of eye care leaders, with Fellows returning to their communities equipped to make lasting improvements in ophthalmology and patient care.
How You Help Shape Global Eye Care
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors who make programs like the Sydney Eye Hospital Fellowship program possible. Your support helps shape the careers of talented individuals like Dr Johannes Keller, enabling them to make a lasting impact on eye health both in Australia and abroad. Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology and improving patient care worldwide.
