In 1992, after discovering the Riverina had limited access to ophthalmologist services locally, the then 30-year-old Dr Barnes packed up his Sydney life, and moved to Wagga Wagga.

“At the time, Wagga was probably the most under-serviced area in New South Wales for ophthalmology, so I decided moving there was a good opportunity to make a difference,” Dr Barnes said.

“However, I didn’t realise quite how challenging it would be. Moving to such a large area with little support was tough but, it has also been incredibly rewarding.”

Dr Barnes’ career achievements in public and private health in Wagga Wagga include 20 years as Director of Registrar Training, Ophthalmology Department Head, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ Medicare Advisory Committee member, and a Calvary Riverina Hospital Medical Advisory Committee member for 30 years.

This November, RANZCO awarded Dr Barnes the Distinguished Service Medal for his commitment to regional health.

Calvary Riverina Hospital’s General Manager, Michael Morris, thanked Dr Barnes for his contribution to the region.

“Over the past three decades, Dr Barnes has treated and changed the lives of many patients across the Riverina, including at our hospital,” Mr Morris said.

“We are grateful for his commitment to our region, and incredibly proud of this well-deserved industry recognition.”

In addition to ensuring regional patients have access to necessary eye care close to home, Dr Barnes has worked hard to future-proof local ophthalmology.

In 2000, Dr Barnes accepted the challenge to take on a registrar for training in a rural setting. The placement became highly sought after and was expanded to two registrars in 2016. Since training began locally, more than 110 registrars have completed a rotation in Wagga Wagga.

“Our regional areas are incredibly under serviced, so I push the cause whenever I can. We’re very proud that we’ve been trusted with training two registrars at a time in Wagga. It is a huge coup for the area,” Dr Barnes said.

“It isn’t hard to convince people to do ophthalmology, however, getting them to move their lives for a career in rural and regional Australia is challenging. It is always front of my mind to try and increase the number of specialists we have working in our regions.

“The lifestyle in the regions is better and the opportunities, particularly in the early years of your career, are something you don’t get working as an ophthalmologist in the city. You are able treat a whole cross section of eye problems. It is incredibly rewarding.”

Dr Barnes was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal at the 55th Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ gathering held in Adelaide earlier this month.