Dr Liz InsullOphthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Eye Institute, NZ
Dr Liz Insull is a New Zealand and UK-trained ophthalmologist specialising in cataract and oculoplastic surgery. She practices at the Eye Institute in Hawke’s Bay and Wellington, managing a wide range of eyelid, orbital, and lacrimal conditions alongside high-volume cataract surgery.
Liz currently serves as Chair of the New Zealand Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) and previously held the position of Clinical Director for Ophthalmology at Hawke’s Bay Hospital. She is one of only 11 New Zealand members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons (ANZSOPS). Liz is committed to fostering collaboration across specialties, supporting equity, and advancing sustainable care models for regional New Zealand. As co-founder and co-director of Women in Vision Aotearoa, Liz works to promote connection, equity, and leadership opportunities within the eye health workforce. In 2022, she was awarded the Heather G Mack Scholarship for Women in Leadership by RANZCO, and in 2021, received the Trainer of Excellence award from NZ trainees. |
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At the Margins: Collaborative Care in Periocular Malignancy
Periocular malignancies require careful management due to the eyelids’ complex anatomy and vital role in protecting the eye. Oculoplastic surgeons play a key role in both tumour removal and reconstructing the eyelid to restore essential function and appearance.
This presentation will focus on oculoplastic surgical techniques used to reconstruct eyelid defects following tumour excision. It will cover a range of approaches from simple direct closure to more complex full-thickness reconstructions; skin grafts and local flaps. The choice of technique depends on the size, location, and depth of the defect.
Emphasis will be placed on preserving eyelid function—such as eyelid closure, corneal protection, and tear drainage—while striving for the best possible cosmetic outcome. The presentation will also discuss how oculoplastic surgeons balance these goals to optimize patient recovery.
While collaboration with ENT, plastic surgery and dermatology supports overall patient care, this talk will concentrate on the oculoplastic surgeon’s role in surgical management and reconstruction. Attendees will gain practical insights into eyelid reconstruction techniques and considerations essential for managing periocular malignancies.
This presentation will focus on oculoplastic surgical techniques used to reconstruct eyelid defects following tumour excision. It will cover a range of approaches from simple direct closure to more complex full-thickness reconstructions; skin grafts and local flaps. The choice of technique depends on the size, location, and depth of the defect.
Emphasis will be placed on preserving eyelid function—such as eyelid closure, corneal protection, and tear drainage—while striving for the best possible cosmetic outcome. The presentation will also discuss how oculoplastic surgeons balance these goals to optimize patient recovery.
While collaboration with ENT, plastic surgery and dermatology supports overall patient care, this talk will concentrate on the oculoplastic surgeon’s role in surgical management and reconstruction. Attendees will gain practical insights into eyelid reconstruction techniques and considerations essential for managing periocular malignancies.
