(03) 9455 1714 
Meet Our Surgeons
Dr Heathcote Wright
Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon
PhD, FRANZCO
Dr Heathcote Wright graduated from University of Queensland Medical School in 2000. He undertook his residency in North Queensland before returning to his native Melbourne to complete a PhD with Professor Hugh Taylor AC at the University of Melbourne.
He completed his advanced surgical training in ophthalmology at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in 2011 before heading to Bristol Eye Hospital to complete a fellowship in glaucoma surgery.
Dr Nima Pakrou
Cataract and Oculoplastic Surgeon
MBBS (Hons), MMed, FRANZCO
Dr Nima Pakrou graduated from the University of Adelaide with Honours in 2001, and was ranked first in his graduation year. He subsequently accomplished a Masters of Medicine through the University of Sydney.
He completed his advanced surgical training in ophthalmology through the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in 2010. Following this, he undertook a further two years of sub-specialty training in the UK, in the areas of oculoplastics and lacrimal surgery, as well as retinal and intraocular inflammatory diseases.
Dr Jeremy Diamond
Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon
MB ChB, FRCS, FRCOphth, PhD
Jeremy Diamond qualified as a doctor in the UK. His ophthalmology training was split between Bristol and Perth, WA. Along the way he undertook a PhD studying the natural antibiotics present in the eye. For many years he ran the glaucoma department at the Bristol Eye Hospital. As well as managing patients with complex glaucoma, he was a senior cataract surgeon, undertaking nearly 1,000 cataract operations each year. During his time in Bristol he worked with both Heathcote Wright and Nima Pakrou.
He has recently relocated to Melbourne with his Australian-born wife, Ms Helen Garrott (also an ophthalmic surgeon) and children. Dr Diamond works at MCES and Sunbury and is qualifies to manage all forms of glaucoma and cataract. He also manages macula diseases.
Dr Kathy Jao
Cataract Corneal Oculoplastics and Paedatrics
MBBS(Hons), BMedSc, PDipPH, FRANZCO
Dr Kathy Jao is a skilled comprehensive Ophthalmologist treating both adults and paediatric patients. Specialising in Anterior Segment (Cornea and Cataract), Oculoplastics, and Paediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus, Dr Jao provides expert care across a wide spectrum of eye conditions.
After graduating with honours from the University of Melbourne in 2012, Dr Jao completed her Ophthalmology training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne. She became a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists in 2021, following extensive sub-specialty training both in Australia and the UK. Her fellowships included Cornea and Oculoplastics at Royal Perth Hospital, Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at Queensland Children’s Hospital, and further Oculoplastic training at Aintree University Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
Dr Jao currently serves as a visiting consultant at The Alfred Hospital and The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Outside of her professional commitments, Dr Jao enjoys spending time with her young family, exploring art and music, traveling, and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
Meet Our Team
Can (John) Komser
B. Optom (MELB)
John joined the MCES team in 2018. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2011 with a Bachelor of Optometry. Following graduation, he worked in multiple practices in NSW and QLD before returning to VIC in 2015. John has conducted research with the National Eye Health Survey team who assessed the prevalence and burden of eye disease across Australia. He has worked as a teaching clinician for Optometry students at the ACO and gained further experience in co-management of Glaucoma and specialty contact lens fitting.
John enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, camping and driving whenever he can. He also enjoys live music and collecting vinyl records.
Nancy Ngo
B. Optom (MELB)
Nancy graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2011. Prior to joining MCES in 2021, she spent many years working in regional Victoria at a private practice. She has a vested interest in therapeutics and clinical Optometry.
Working parallel with Dr Wright and Dr Pakrou, she plays an active role in guiding patient management. You will commonly see her working on Wednesdays, primarily assessing patient who are being treatment with anti-VEGF injections.
In her spare time she enjoys calligraphy and engraving. She is fluent in Cantonese.
Shynade Plant
Practice Manager
Shynade joined the team in late 2016 as the inaugural practice manager, playing a pivotal role within the business. Her passion for eye care began in 2011, where she worked as an “all-rounder,” assisting with eye procedures and injections, managing surgical bookings, conducting clinical tests, and handling administrative duties.
Shynade is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of all patients, always prioritising their concerns in decision-making. Her outgoing and approachable nature ensures that patients have a pleasurable and positive experience when visiting MCES.
Originally from Tasmania, Shynade and her husband relocated to Melbourne in 2016 to advance their careers. She is a proud mother of two, a son and a daughter, and enjoys running in her free time.
Josie Rigbye
Accounts Manager
Josie joined the team in August 2019 as our accounts and business manager. Although her role is predominantly based behind the scenes, on occasion her giggly self may greet you on arrival to your appointment.
She has previously been involved with running a manufacturing family business, before transitioning into the healthcare field. She has many years experience with account management, payroll and book-keeping as well as medical administration.
Josie and her husband, Darren are empty nesters, with three grown children. They look forward to welcoming grandchildren to their family one day.
Julia Tran
Orthoptist
Julia completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics Degree at La Trobe University in 2016. In her final year of study, Julia undertook clinical placements at private practices and public hospitals where she acquired valuable experience and knowledge in many areas of eye care.
Her responsibilities include: general, retinal, Oculoplastics, intraocular lens calculation for cataract surgery, assisting in Intravitreal injections and performing IPL treatment on patients with dry eyes.
Julia is part of a family of six and takes care of three energetic younger brothers. On her days off, Julia enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, always seeking to have adventurous outings. She also speaks Vietnamese.
Maddy Wakim
Head Receptionist
Maddy joined MCES in June 2018. Her friendly self will greet you upon arrival.
Maddy has undertaken onsite training to further her knowledge within the Ophthalmology industry over the past few years whilst working at MCES. She has many years experience in customer service and her main focus is reception duties and administrative tasks. She however has many additional skills that allow her to assist with in-room procedures, patient screening and testing, and most importantly providing patients with information about their upcoming surgery.
Her can-do attitude and bubbly personality makes her a great addition to the team.
Maddy a Melbourne local, dotes over her fluffy pooch Felix and is passionate about seeking out new cultures around the world.
Zena Aboughattas
Orthoptist
Zena initially started at MCES as a student undertaking clinical placement from La Trobe University where she graduated from her Bachelor of Health Science and Masters in Orthoptics in 2020. She then joined the team in January 2021 as a qualified Orthoptist and will play an important role during your visit ensuring that you feel comfortable and cared for.
Striving to gain as much orthoptic experience possible, she volunteered at many public and private ophthalmic clinics during her study period.
On her days off Zena enjoys spending quality time with her young son Noah and visiting family and friends.
Chloe Madigan
Ophthalmic Technician
Chloe joined MCES in 2022, bringing with her a robust background in nursing. Initially, Chloe was one of the friendly faces greeting patients on arrival. However, driven by a desire to deepen her medical knowledge within Ophthalmology, she has gradually transitioned into a clinical role, aspiring to work independently as an Ophthalmic Technician.
Since her arrival, Chloe has been a valuable addition to our team, contributing many essential skills. She grew up in Adelaide and moved to Melbourne in 2015. In her free time, she enjoys pilates, traveling and socialising with friends.
Holly Neville
Receptionist
Holly was welcomed to the team in late 2022. She has a gentle nature, a bubbly personality and the best laugh in the team. You will likely see Holly working front of house or speak with her over the phone. She has a background in the beauty/skin industry and is passionate about self-care. She previously studied Applied Health Science and Dermal Therapy. Holly had been looking to explore a career in the healthcare industry, and has been a valued addition to the team.
Although her focus is administrative tasks, she looks forward to expanding her knowledge and further applying her skill set in other areas in the clinic. Holly loves travelling with her family and partner Jasper and spending time with her beloved Spoodle, Finn.
Thaemindi Surage
Orthoptist
Mindi began her career as an Orthoptist at MCES in April 2024. After graduating in October 2021, she developed a strong passion for glaucoma and retinal care, actively seeking opportunities to work in these subspecialties in the private sector. She also has a keen interest in paediatrics and aims to expand her expertise in this area. As the eldest of two siblings, Mindi combines leadership skills with empathy in her professional role. Fluent in Sinhalese, her multicultural background enables her to connect effectively with a diverse patient population. Mindi is a passionate advocate for self-care and holistic well-being, including fitness and spending time outdoors with friends.
Adam Kaucki
Orthoptist
Adam became a part of our team in September 2024, splitting his time between Sunbury Eye Surgeons and our sister clinic, Melbourne Comprehensive Eye Surgeons (MCES). With over 10 years of experience as an Orthoptist, Adam has worked in both public and private clinics across Melbourne and interstate, including Sydney, Canberra, and Queensland.
A passionate advocate for holistic patient care, Adam earned his “Red Vest” for volunteering over 100 hours at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. He is dedicated to enhancing patient orientation and mobility, and regularly attends Orthoptic Conferences and Scientific Meetings to stay at the forefront of his field. Adam also plays a vital role in patient care by working closely with our Ophthalmologists, performing a range of tests and scans prior to doctor consultations.
Outside of work, Adam is an avid puzzler, enjoying challenges like Cryptic Crosswords and Sudokus. He also loves spending time with family and friends, playing board games, and staying active at the gym.
