Dr Smita Agarwal is a senior comprehensive ophthalmologist with over 10 years’ experience in refractive surgery. Smita developed a keen interest in refractive surgery during her fellowship years at Monash Health, Melbourne. She was one of the early candidates that completed a Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Refractive Surgery) from University of Sydney in 2014.

Smita performs SMILE® Pro, PresbyLASIK, LASIK and PRK procedures at the Wollongong Refractive Laser Eye Institute , a modern facility that has the latest, state-of-the-art world class equipment. She also performs Refractive Lens Exchange and Phakic IOLS for those that are not suitable candidates for the traditional Laser Vision Correction procedures.

Over the years, Smita has developed a new technique to manage epithelial cell ingrowth that occurs while performing refractive surgery. She has also invented an instrument to implement that technique. This instrument is available commercially for other refractive surgeons globally. She produced and presented a short film on her invention which was awarded a prestigious Trophy (Runners-up) in the New Techniques category at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) Film Festival held in April 2024 at Boston, USA.

Smita was awarded another prestigious trophy being the Winner for her film on SMILE for Hyperopia: A Game Changer at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) Film Festival held in April 2025 at Los Angeles, USA. Smita is one of the very few Australian refractive and cataract surgeons to be recognised at the highest levels in her area of expertise.

Smita is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Graduate Medicine, University of Wollongong and also lectures at the University of Sydney. She is also a panel member of the Specialist International Medical Graduate Committee of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

Smita has published several research papers in peer-reviewed journals in Australia and overseas. She is frequently invited to be a guest speaker at prestigious Cataract and Refractive ophthalmology conferences and seminars nationally and internationally.

In her spare time, Smita likes to read (a lot), go to gym and cook variety of food for her family and friends.

Qualifications

• Fellow of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO)
• Fellow of the World College of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (FWCRS)
• Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Refractive Surgery), University of Sydney
• Master of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Allahabad, India
• M.B.B.S., University of Lucknow, India

Memberships

• Fellow member of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
• Member, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS)
• Member, Australian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (AUSCRS)
• Member, Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO)
• Member, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
• Member, American Academy of Ophthalmologists (AAO)
• Member, Australian Medical Association (AMA)
• Member, Independent Ophthalmic Network (ION

To read more about Dr Smita Agarwal click here.

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