A Historic First in Brisbane
On 24 August 2026, a Brisbane ophthalmologist performed what is believed to be Australia’s first Apple Vision Pro-assisted surgery, marking a watershed moment for the integration of spatial computing into clinical practice. Dr David Gunn, specialising in advanced cataract, corneal, and laser eye surgery at the Queensland Eye Institute, conducted three procedures at South Brisbane Hospital while wearing the Apple Vision Pro headset, integrating it with Alcon’s NGENUITY 3D surgical visualisation platform.
The procedures included a combined cataract and corneal transplant, an all-femtosecond corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment (CAIRS) procedure for keratoconus, and cataract surgery with multifocal lenses. According to Dr Gunn, these appear to be the first reported use of the Apple headset for any surgery in Australia, and the first for CAIRS anywhere in the world.
How the Technology Works in the Operating Theatre
The system functions by transmitting a live stereoscopic feed from Alcon’s NGENUITY 3D visualisation system into the Apple Vision Pro through ScopeXR, a software platform designed specifically for ophthalmic surgery. This allows the surgeon to view the magnified surgical field as a large 3D image while keeping additional clinical information, including corneal topography, the CAIRS surgical plan, and previous surgical history, visible alongside it.
Dr Gunn described the practical impact in a LinkedIn post: “Mid-CAIRS, while still scrubbed, I was able to review the topography and the fellow eye’s outcome, then updated the segment plan live”. Previously, this would have required leaving the sterile field, locating a computer, and searching through patient records. The ability to access and act on real-time clinical data without breaking sterility represents a meaningful advancement in surgical workflow.
Beyond Visualisation: Teaching, Mentoring, and Ergonomics
The technology’s applications extend well beyond the operating theatre. Dr Gunn explained how the headset could support remote teaching, mentoring, and collaboration through its live feed, diagnostic data, and secure two-way audio capabilities. This has significant implications for specialist training, particularly for regional and remote practitioners who could observe and learn from metropolitan experts without physically travelling.
Equally important is the technology’s impact on surgeon well-being. Dr Gunn noted that the headset addresses one of the profession’s occupational hazards: musculoskeletal pain. “The screen sits exactly where the surgeon wants it, at whatever size, with no fixed display to crane towards and no 3D glasses to keep aligned,” he said. For a profession where physical strain is a recognised cause of early retirement, this ergonomic benefit should not be underestimated.
The Broader Trajectory of Surgical Technology in Australia
Dr Gunn’s procedure follows international precedent. Dr Eric Rosenberg of SightMD in New York used the Apple Vision Pro for cataract surgery in October 2025 and co-developed ScopeXR. Dr Gunn thanked Rosenberg for early access to the software and for sending Apple Developer Straps and capture cables, which were unavailable in Australia.
The enthusiasm surrounding this development reflects a broader trend in Australian specialist medicine: the rapid adoption of immersive and AI-driven technologies that were once considered experimental. From robotic bronchoscopy platforms at Epworth to AI-assisted point-of-care ultrasound at Northern Health, Australian clinicians are increasingly at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies into routine care.
What This Means for Patients
For patients, the immediate benefit is precision. When a surgeon can access a patient’s complete clinical history, surgical plan, and real-time imaging without leaving the operating field, the potential for improved outcomes increases. For complex cases like keratoconus, where the margin for error is narrow, this enhanced visualisation and data access could translate directly into better visual outcomes.
The integration of Apple Vision Pro into Australian operating theatres is not merely a technological curiosity. It represents a fundamental reimagining of how surgeons interact with information during procedures. As Dr Gunn’s team noted, they are “excited to be part of this technological progress” as immersive technology continues to move into medical applications. For Australian specialist care, the operating theatre of the future is already here.
