Rate My Professor Mark Elder

Associate Professor Mark Elder serves as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery and Critical Care within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Otago, with affiliations at both the Christchurch and Wellington campuses in the Health Sciences Division. He earned his MB ChB from the University of Otago in 1983, followed by FRANZCO in 1991, FRACS in 1992, and MD from the University of Otago in 1995. As a consultant ophthalmologist based at Christchurch Hospital, he has been appointed to his clinical associate professor role since 2001 and maintains an active clinical practice, including at Southern Cross Christchurch Hospital.

Elder's research specializations lie in ophthalmology, focusing on retinal vascular disorders, drug-induced ocular toxicity, infectious endophthalmitis, cataract surgery outcomes and patient perspectives, and pseudophakic visual function. Notable publications include 'Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of acute retinal artery occlusion' (2017, Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine), 'Early paracentral visual field loss in patients taking hydroxychloroquine' (2007, Archives of Ophthalmology), 'Endophthalmitis' (2002, Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology), 'What patients want to know before they have cataract surgery' (2004, Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology), and 'Apparent accommodation and depth of field in pseudophakia' (1996, Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery). He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, accumulating more than 4,400 citations, influencing clinical guidelines on hydroxychloroquine screening, hyperbaric treatments for retinal emergencies, and postoperative care in ophthalmology. Elder also chairs the Lighthouse Vision Trust, contributing to vision care initiatives in New Zealand, and participates in postgraduate supervision and ophthalmic training.