Dr. Erica Darian-Smith, Ophthalmic Surgeon

A highly qualified surgeon specialising in refractive, cataract, and corneal procedures, committed to clear communication and patient safety

Dr. Erica Darian-Smith, Ophthalmic Surgeon

A highly qualified surgeon specialising in refractive, cataract, and corneal procedures, committed to clear communication and patient safety

You want clear answers and a plan that feels right for you

With Dr. Darian-Smith, many patients feel calmer and more confident, because every step is explained clearly and your care is guided by specialist training and experience

Areas of Expertise

As a Refractive, Cataract and Corneal Eye Surgeon, Dr Erica has helped patients from all walks of life achieve better vision. Whether you’re struggling with cataracts, would like to have laser vision correction to get rid of your glasses and/or reading glasses, have dry eyes or a complex corneal condition, Dr. Erica is committed to helping you optimise your vision and quality of life. With cutting edge technology, extensive overseas training and a commitment to providing the best possible care, she understands that every patient is unique and will take the time to get to know you and your specific needs.

Laser and refractive surgery

Cataract Surgery

  • Individualised IOL selection
  • Premium multifocal IOLs
  • Presbyopia correction
  • YAG capsulotomy
  • Laser enhancements

  • Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO)
  • Fellow of World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences (FWCRS)
  • GradDipGraduate Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery (University of Sydney), Master of Medicine (MMed, Ophthalmic Sciences, University of Sydney)
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS, University of Tasmania)
  • Clinical Lecturer, University of Sydney

As an accomplished researcher Dr. Erica’s work has been published widely in high quality medical journals, including the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the European Journal of Ophthalmology and Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. Erica has also written a book chapter and has had the opportunity to present her research at various international and national conferences. Dr. Erica is appointed as a Clinical Lecturer in the Discipline of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute and regularly contributes to ongoing teaching in her area of subspeciality.

Presentations

International Meetings

  • 2024 Darian-Smith, E, Hannush, SB, Safran, SG, Trinh, T, Ifantides, C, Chayet, AS, Coroneo, MT. Initial Survey of Ophthalmologists’ Management of the Eye Lacking Capsular Support: The Evolution of ‘Middle Segment’ Surgery. Oral presentation at ASCRS, Boston, April, 2024.
  • 2023 Darian-Smith, E, Weill, Y, Slomovic, A. “Sandwich PKP technique in a case of elevated posterior pressure and iris prolapse”, American Academy of Ophthalmology 2023, San Francisco, November 3-6, On Demand Virtual Video Presentation.
  • Darian-Smith, E, Gauvin, M, Wallerstein, A, Weill, Y, Singal, N, Chan, C, Nianiaris, N, Smith, D, Rootman, D. Post LASIK enhancement epithelial ingrowth with relift of the existing flap edge versus relift of a newly created femtosecond flap side cut. Oral presentation at ASCRS, San Diego, May 6, 2023.
  • Darian-Smith, E, Safran SG, Coroneo, MT. Capsular Bag Insufficiency Disorder: A perspective. Oral presentation following selection for Cataract Poster Presentations, May 7, 2023. Received 3rd place in oral poster presentation session for “Cataract Category”.
  • Darian-Smith, E, Gouvea, L, Gendler, S, Alshaker, S, Din, N, Weill, Y, Skouras, N, Rabinovitch, T, Singal, N, Chan, CC, Rootman, DS. KAMRA presbyopic inlay refractive outcomes: A Canadian Perspective. Poster Presentation at ASCRS, San Diego, May 2023.
  • Darian-Smith, E, Tat, LT, Coroneo, MT. Single Surgeon Refractive Outcomes of a Family of Progressive Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lenses – Initial Experience, Poster Presentation at ASCRS, San Diego, May 2023.
  • Instructor: Ocular Surface Procedures in the Treatment Room, Oral presentations for the following talk: Temporary Tarsorrhaphy: tape, sutures, botox AND Surgical Management of conjunctival chalasis and Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis which are part of the instructional course, at ASCRS, San Diego, May 8, 2023.
  • Co-Instructor: Ocular Surface Disease: Medical Optimization and Surgical Interventions, Oral presentation for the following talk Blood Products and In-Office Therapies which is part of the instructional course at ASCRS, San Diego, May 8, 2023.
  • 2017 Best of Posters (Retina) Diploma for the following research presentation: Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ. The Tasmanian macular hole study: whole population based incidence of full thickness macular hole. Oral Presentation (Best of Posters (Retina)) at Congress of The European Society of Ophthalmology, SOE, Barcelona, Spain, 10th of June, 2017.
  • Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P, Hall, AJ. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Oral Presentation (Late Breaking Free Paper Presentation) at Congress of The European Society of Ophthalmology, SOE, Barcelona, Spain Sunday 11th of June, 2017
  • Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ. The Tasmanian macular hole study: whole population based incidence of full thickness macular hole. E-Poster at Congress of The European Society of Ophthalmology, SOE, Barcelona, Spain, 10th-13th of June, 2017

National Meetings

  • 2019 Darian-Smith, E, Versace, P. Visual performance and positional stability of a rhexis-fixated EDOF IOL. Poster Presentation at RANZCO 51st Annual Scientific Congress, Sydney, November 2019.
  • 2015 Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ. The Tasmanian macular hole study: whole population based incidence of full thickness macular hole. Rapid Fire Oral Presentation at RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) 47th Annual Scientific Congress, Wellington, New Zealand, 31st October to 4th November 2015.
  • Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ. The Tasmanian macular hole study: whole population based epidemiology and surgical outcomes of idiopathic full thickness macular hole. Poster Presentation at RANZCO 47th Annual Scientific Congress, Wellington, November 2015.
  • 2014 Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Abell, RG, Kerr, NM, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ, Toh, TY. Intraocular pressure during femtosecond laser pre-treatment: A Comparison of glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes. Rapid Fire Oral Presentation at RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) 46th Annual Scientific Congress, Brisbane, 24th November 2014.
  • 2013 Darian-Smith, E, Abell, RG, Kerr, NM, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ. Geographic atrophy trends in patients treated with ranibizumab for choroidal neovascularization. Poster Presentation at RANZCO 45th Annual Scientific Congress, Hobart, November 2013.
  • Darian-Smith, E, Hewitt, AW, Curry, B, Bylsma, G, Verma, N. Comparing the Relative Efficacy of Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis) in macular edema secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusions. Poster Presentation at RANZCO 45th Annual Scientific Congress, Hobart, November 2013.

State Meetings

  • 2020 Darian-Smith, E, Borovik, A. “To EDOF or not to EDOF”: Refractive Outcomes in Eyes with Pathology with a X-wave technology EDOF IOL. Oral Presentation at COSSOM, Prince of Wales, Randwick, 11 Dec 2021.
  • 2015 Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P, Hall, AJ. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Oral Presentation at The 2017 Cossom Scientific Meeting, The Department of Ophthalmology, University of New South Wales and Prince of Wales Hospital, 2nd December, 2017.
  • Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P, Hall, AJ. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Oral Presentation at RANZCO Victorian Branch Annual Scientific Meeting, 4th March, 2017.
  • 2014 Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Abell, RG, Kerr, NM, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ, Toh, TY. Intraocular pressure during femtosecond laser pre-treatment: A Comparison of glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes. Oral Presentation at RANZCO Tasmanian Branch Scientific Meeting, Tasmania, 11th May 2014.

Co-authored Presentations

  • 2024 Agarwal, M, Bareket, M, Gutierrez-Guerinoni, A, Darian-Smith, E, Collazos, M, Chan, C. Clinical outcomes of a novel double layered 9mm dehydrated amniotic membrane disc in ocular surface disorders and review of the literature. Poster presentation at ASCRS, Boston, April, 2024.
  • 2019 Versace, P, Darian-Smith, E. Functional performance and positional stability of a rhexis-fixated IOL. Free Paper Oral Presentation at ESCRS (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons) 37th Congress, Paris, 15th September 2019.
  • 2017 Hall, AJ, Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Rapid Fire Oral Presentation at RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) 48th Annual Scientific Congress, Perth, 31st October 2017.
  • 2016 Bulang, H, Musk, G, Mou, L, Ng, ZQ, De Roo, R, Tan, D, Darian-Smith, E, Lucas, M, Delriviere, L. Recovery of kidney graft function after transplant by laparoscopic technique versus open: A Pilot Study. Oral Presentation at The Transplantation Society of Australian and New Zealand 34th Annual Scientific Meeting, Sydney, April 2016.
  • 2015 Kerr, NM, Darian-Smith E, Howie A, Abell RG, Vote BJ, Toh T. Intraocular pressure and Safety During Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery in Glaucomatous Eyes. Eposter presentation at the World Glaucoma Congress, Hong Kong, in June 2015.
  • BJ Vote, Ewe, SYP, Abell RG, Darian-Smith E, Kan JB, Allen, PL. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery: Comparative cohort study of surgical outcomes and safety of over 4000 cataract cases at a single centre. E-Poster presentation, 30th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress held in conjunction with the 20th Congress of the Chinese Ophthalmological Society, Guangzhou, China, April 2015.
  • Howie, A, Darian-Smith, E, Allen, P, Vote, B. Whole population incidences of patients presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments within Tasmania, Australia. Poster Presentation at RANZCO 47th Annual Scientific Congress, Wellington, November 2015.
  • Howie, A, Darian-Smith, E, Allen, P, Vote, B. Visual outcomes of patients presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments within Tasmania, Australia. Poster Presentation at RANZCO 47th Annual Scientific Congress, Wellington, New Zealand, November 2015.
  • 2014 BJ Vote, Ewe, SYP, Abell RG, Darian-Smith E, Kan JB, Allen, PL. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery: Comparative cohort study of surgical outcomes and safety of over 4000 cataract cases at a single centre. Free Paper Session Presentation, XXXII Congress of the ESCRS (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons), London, UK, September 2014.
  • 2013 Howie, AR, Abell, RG, Darian-Smith, E, Allen, PL, McCartney, PJ, Vote, BJ. Undergraduate ophthalmology education in Australia and preparation for internship. Oral Presentation, RANZCO 45th Annual Scientific Congress, Hobart, Australia, November 2013.

Dr. Erica was a recipient of the 2022 ASCRS Foundation Resident Excellence Award. In 2019, she was awarded the RANZCO Filipic Greer Medal for overall excellence in performance at the RANZCO Ophthalmic Pathology examination. Most recently, she was awarded the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Trevalyn-Smith Travelling Scholarship to subsidize overseas study for Fellows.

  • Awarded Trevalyn-Smith Travelling Scholarship (RANZCO): Prestigious scholarship for overseas fellowship study, 2022.
  • Selected as an American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation Resident Excellence Award Recipient, 2022.
  • Winner of RANZCO Filipic Greer Medal for overall excellence in performance at the RANZCO Ophthalmic Pathology examination (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists), 2019.
  • Nominee for the Schneider Prize – presented to the intern who demonstrates the greatest care and compassion in the practice of medicine (Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth), 2015.
  • School of Medicine Clinical Distinction Award for academic results in the 4th and 5th years of study (UTAS, School of Medicine (SoM)), 2014.
  • School of Medicine Therapeutics Guidelines Prize (Launceston Clinical School) (UTAS, SoM), 2014.
  • Launceston Clinical School Award for excellence in General Surgery (Launceston Clinical School, SoM), 2014.
  • Consolation Prize for Kathleen Menzies Travelling Prize (UTAS, SoM), 2014.
  • Brenda White Scholarship in Medical Research (UTAS), 2013.
  • AMA Elective Award (Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Medical Association), 2013.
  • Study Overseas Short-term Mobility Scholarship (UTAS, SoM), 2012.
  • Menzies Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Scholarship (UROP) (Menzies Research Institute, Hobart), 2012.

Outside of ophthalmology Dr. Erica enjoys spending time with her husband, son and toy poodle ‘Moose’. To unwind she plays tennis and is currently learning golf. Dr. Erica is an avid supporter of the arts, particularly enjoying live theatre productions at the Kirribilli based ‘Ensemble’ theatre.

Dr. Erica previously volunteered at the first International Blind Tennis Tournament in Alfaz del Pi, Spain. She was selected by Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria to attend in a volunteering capacity to support visually impaired players competing. Dr. Erica had the privilege of representing the Australian team as a tournament referee, a highlight which included refereeing for the B2 and B3 category Women’s Finals. The Australian team won the ‘Fair Play’ award at the tournament conclusion.

Your vision is our life’s work

  • Choosing an eye surgeon can feel confusing, so we keep things straightforward and explain your options in plain language.
  • Your treatment plan is tailored to your eyes, your age, and your lifestyle, with your eye health and safety as the priority.
  • We are a locally owned and run clinic, with a warm team that makes sure you feel valued and supported.
  • Our surgeons are fellowship trained and highly qualified, with advanced sub-specialty training and up-to-date clinical expertise.
  • We use state-of-the-art technology to measure your eyes precisely and deliver a more bespoke, high-quality experience.
  • To help you feel understood and comfortable, we can also support you in Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, and conversational Cantonese.

Step inside our Sydney clinics

Explore our modern, welcoming spaces in Mosman and Penrith, designed for comfort, privacy, and high-quality care from the moment you arrive

Find out if laser vision correction could reduce your need for glasses or contacts

Book a free appointment and our team will answer your questions, and explain which vision correction options may suit your eyes and lifestyle