Redeveloped Royal Victoria Eye and Ear hospital officially opens

The redeveloped hospital officially reopened in April.

Other key features include a perioperative suite with eight state-of-the-art theatres, a fresh 24 bed inpatient ward, and a dedicated floor for clinics, offering over 90 specialist services.

Chief executive Brendon Gardner said he was looking forward to the positive impact the redevelopments would have on patients.

"As Australia's only eye, ear, nose and throat hospital, today signifies a new chapter in our 160-year history," he said.

"As Victoria's third oldest public hospital, our specialist knowledge and expertise position us well to continue to provide the best care for Victorians."

Patient John Desmond was referred to the hospital after sustaining a traumatic eye injury. A large chip hit his left eye while he was chopping wood at his Mansfield home several weeks ago.

John's treating surgeon Penelope Allen had to remove the lens to treat extensive bleeding caused by the trauma.

"Treating traumatic eye injuries like John's require additional years of training and skills on top of general ophthalmologist training," Associate Professor Allen said.

"We see several eye injuries per week through our Emergency Department."

Founded in 1863, the hospital is internationally renowned for its teaching, training and research. It went from a small hospital with just 60 inpatients in its foundation year to more than 14,000 by last year.

"The Eye and Ear is the leading trainer of ophthalmologists in Victoria through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists," Associate Professor Allen said.

"Doctors from all over the world come to train at the hospital in ophthalmology and otolaryngology, to learn from leaders in the industry.

"Our dedication to research and improving patient's lives now and in the future is something I know we constantly strive for."