Dr Robert Bourke graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1984. Subspecialty Fellowship trained at the internationally renowned  Eye Hospital and St Paul’s in the United Kingdom (UK), Dr Robert Bourke is an Ophthalmologist specialising in the treatment of conditions affecting the macula, vitreous and retina, including cataracts and refractive lens exchange, retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, central serous retinopathy, and complications of diabetes such as diabetic retinopathy, and complications of diabetes such as diabetic retinopathy.

During his time in the UK, Dr Bourke treated the most complex cases, and gained extensive experience in minimising complications of intraocular surgery.

Upon returning to Australia in 1995, he co-founded The Eye Centre Gold Coast and works at Short Street Day Surgery, offering surgical and Laser treatment to the local community for Cataract, Vitreoretinal and Macular conditions. 

With extensive subspecialty training, Dr Bourke is one of few ophthalmologists who manages all complexities of cataract, macular and retinal surgery. He has an interest in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and particularly, the management of Neovascular ARMD (wet macular degeneration). 

Gold Coast local, Dr Bourke is a father of five children and in his spare time he plays lead guitar and sings in a soul/blues band aptly named “Groove Doctor”. He also enjoys spending time surfing and enduring a few rounds of golf. 

Dr Bourke's surgical expertise and continued dedication to remain at the forefront of his field, have made him a reliable community resource for the Gold Coast as well as for referrers throughout Australasia, Europe and the U.S. He is a Board Member of the Clem Jones Research Centre for Stem Cell & Tissue Regenerative Therapies (CJRC) which is actively researching stem cell and nanofibre technology therapies for age-related macular degeneration.

Dr Bourke has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and has been a Guest Lecturer on macular degeneration treatment, diabetes, macular hole surgery and complex cataract and intraocular lens surgery on multiple occasions at Australian and International Conferences.

Dr Bourke is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology, a member of the Australian Medical Association, and a member of Retinal & Cataract associations in Australia, US, UK and Europe (ASRS, ANZRS, AUSCRS, ASCRS, EVRS).