Meet Dr Cheefoong Chong
About Dr Chong
Dr Chong finds great fulfillment in restoring and preserving vision, particularly in young patients. He is deeply committed to addressing paediatric conditions such as amblyopia and cataracts, where early interventions can make a significant difference. His approach to strabismus surgery focuses on improving both visual function and patient confidence. He also performs cataract surgery in adults, helping to restore clarity of vision and quality of life. Additionally, he takes pride in delivering advanced treatments for retinoblastoma, aiming to achieve better visual and cosmetic outcomes.
Dr Chong enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his three active children, helping them embrace their childhood and develop their full potential. He is also supported by his loving wife.
In his personal pursuits, Dr Chong is a student pilot, fulfilling a lifelong passion for aviation—a career he would have considered if not for ophthalmology.
Associations and Accreditations
- MBBS (Hons)
- MMed (Ophth Sci)
- MD
- FRANZCO
- Consultant Ophthalmologist, Tauranga Eye Specialists
- Consultant Ophthalmologist, Tauranga Hospital
- Consultant Ophthalmologist, Waikato Hospital
- RANZCO Trainee Representative, 2016 to 2018
- RANZCO Strabismus Curriculum Review Committee, 2019
- Comprehensive Ophthalmology
- Paediatric Ophthalmology
- Cataract Surgery (adult and paediatric)
- Strabismus Surgery
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
- Retinoblastoma
- Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (FRANZCO)
- Member of the Asia Pacific Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
- Member of the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
- Director of Training, RANZCO New Zealand Branch
- Member of the RANZCO Clinical Standards Committee
- Member of the RANZCO Delivery and Development Committee
- Member of the RANZCO Scientific Programme Committee
- Co-lead of the National Clinical Eye Health Network, Paediatric Workstream, New Zealand
- Honorary Senior Lecture, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
- Faculty member, Lifeline Express International Academy of Eye Health
- Arthur Thomas Patterson Award in Ophthalmology 2018
Award in Medicine (1997) – Overseas Elective financial scholarship to South Africa and Zimbabwe
Dr Chong’s research output include:
1. Ng H, Sloan B, Ng YSP, Chong CF. Spontaneous globe rupture in infant with retinoblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2023 Aug;70(8):e30326. DOI:10.1002/pbc.30326.
2. Chong, C., Webber, A. L., & Dai, S. Ocular manifestations of systemic diseases in children. Clin Exp Optom. 2022;106(3):238-248. DOI:10.1080/08164622.2022.2048999.
3. Hossain RR, Ng SGJ, Chong CF, Botha VE, Ferguson R, McKelvie J. Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome: Surgical and medical management in an infant with bilateral corneal perforations. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2022;70(7):2633-2635. DOI:10.4103/ijo.IJO_2534_21.
4. Hung YC, Wilkinson B, Chong CF. A case of aggressive natural killer cell leukemia. Digit J Ophthalmol. 2022 Oct 29;28(4):116-118. DOI:10.5693/djo.02.2022.03.001.
5. Chong C, Lawrence A, Allbon D. Addressing equity: a 10-year review of strabismus surgery in 0-19-year-olds in the New Zealand public health system. NZ Med J. 2021 Nov 12;134(1545):79-90. PMID: 34788274.
6. Chong C, Allen N, Jarvis R, Dai S. Ten-year review of neuroimaging in acute paediatric strabismus. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2021;49(7):724-728.
7. Chong CF, Misra SL, Escardo-Paton JA, Dai S. Predictors of long-term neurological outcome in non-accidental head injury. Eye (Lond). 2018;32(3):608-614.
8. Chong CF, Murray N. Outcomes from community-based diabetic eye disease screening: a 3-year review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2016;44(3):218-221.
9. Tan Z, Chong CF, Darlow B, Dai S. Visual impairment due to retinopathy of prematurity in New Zealand: a 22-year review. Br J Ophthalmol. 2015;99(6):801-806.
10. Chong CF, Sinclair J, Voss L, et al. Ophthalmic manifestation of disseminated cutaneous mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex in a child with a presumed primary IL-12 receptor deficiency. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2015;23(1):106-109.
11. Chong CF, McGhee CNJ, Dai S. A Cross-sectional Study of Prevalence and Etiology of Childhood Visual Impairment in Auckland, New Zealand. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2014 Nov-Dec;3(6):337-42. DOI:10.1097/APO.0000000000000044.
12. Chong CF, Dai S. Cross-sectional study on childhood cerebral visual impairment in New Zealand. J AAPOS. 2014 Feb;18(1):71-4. DOI:10.1016/j.jaapos.2013.09.014. PMID: 24568987.
13. Chong CF, McGhee CNJ, Dai S. Cross-sectional study of prevalence and causes of childhood visual impairment in Auckland, New Zealand. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol. 2014;18(1):71-74.
14. Chong CF, Patel DV, Hadden PW, McGhee CNJ. Conservative biopsy excision and management of a large iris melanoma. Clin Exp Optom. 2014 May;97(3):278-9. DOI:10.1111/cxo.12111.
15. Chong CF, Patel D, Hadden P, McGhee C. Conservative biopsy, excision and management of a large iris melanoma. Clin Exp Optom. 2013 Sep 30. DOI:10.1111/cxo.12111.
16. Chong C, Dai S. Cross-sectional study on prevalence, causes and avoidable causes of visual impairment in Māori children. NZ Med J. 2013;126(1379).
17. Chong CF, Yang D, Pham TQ, Liu H. A novel treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy with topical anti-inflammatory therapy. BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Sep 3;2012:bcr2012006970. DOI:10.1136/bcr-2012-006970.
Research Interests
Dr Chong’s research focuses on advancing paediatric ophthalmology and public health, particularly addressing healthcare equity and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
His Doctor of Medicine thesis concentrated on childhood visual impairment, underscoring his dedication to early intervention and innovative treatments. From managing retinoblastoma and strabismus to exploring novel therapies, Dr Chong’s contributions reflect a commitment to clinical excellence and systemic improvements in ocular health.
