Dr. Keith Pine – Ocular Prosthetist
Dr. Keith Pine is a distinguished expert in ocular prosthetics. With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Pine has made significant contributions to the field of prosthetic eyes, both in clinical practice and research.
Dr. Pine began his career in dental prosthetics, spending 16 years at Middlemore Hospital’s Plastic Surgical Dental Unit in Auckland, where he became the unit’s specialist Facial Prosthetist. In 1988, he acquired Geddes Dental Renovations, transforming it into the Geddes Dental Group, which became Australasia’s largest private dental practice. The group employed over 100 professionals and provided essential dental services, including community-based and adolescent dental care.
Despite his extensive involvement in the dental industry, Dr. Pine maintained a strong commitment to ocular prosthetics. He started the New Zealand Prosthetic Eye Service while simultaneously conducting PhD research in Optometry at the University of Auckland. His research has focused on the response of the anophthalmic socket to prosthetic eye wear, resulting in over 20 published scientific papers. This work has led to international research collaborations and the world’s first peer-reviewed textbook dedicated to ocular prosthetics: “Clinical Ocular Prosthetics”.
Dr. Pine is an honorary Research Fellow with the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Auckland, a member of the Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists in the UK and a Fellow of the International Academy of Ocularisty in the USA. His clinical practice, extensive research, volunteer work and teaching highlight his dedication to improving the lives of those affected by eye loss.
Qualifications
- BSc. in Psychology (University of Auckland)
- MBA (University of Auckland)
- PhD in Optometry (University of Auckland)
- Registered Clinical Dental Technician
- Advanced Certificate in Maxillofacial Technology (UK)
- Member, Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists & Technologists (UK)
- Fellow of the International Academy of Ocularisty (USA)

Career highlights
2016 Fiji prosthetic eye project
During the week of the 11th September 2016, Keith Pine spent 8 days at Dr…
2015 Published “Clinical Ocular Prosthetics”
Published “Clinical Ocular Prosthetics”, the world’s first evidence based textbook on prosthetic eyes.
2010 Commenced PHD Research
Keith Pine commenced a PhD research program to investigate the anophthalmic socket’s response to prosthetic…
2008 Founded the New Zealand Artificial Eye Service
Keith Pine made and fitted prosthetic eyes alongside his other professional activities for more than…
2006 Founding CEO & Director GVM
Founding Director and CEO, Go Virtual Medical Ltd - now known as SIMTICS
2003 Sold Geddes Dental Group
Sold Geddes Dental to Australasia's largest private dental health group now known as Lumino Dental
Restoration of NZ’s oldest surviving yacht
Jessie Logan Gaff Cutter LOA 12.34m (40ft 6in) LWL 7.62m (25ft) Designer: Robert Logan Snr…
2000 Chairman, NZ Dental Technicians Board
Keith Pine was appointed to the NZ Dental Technicians Board in 2000 and at his first…
2000 President, Takapuna Rotary Club
Keith Pine was a member of the Rotary Club of Takapuna for 20 years and…
1998 Initiated NZ’s first post graduate course for CDT’s
The Dental Act introduced registration for Clinical Dental Technicians (CDTs) in 1989, but 8 years later no…
1997 Pioneered mobile dental services to Secondary schools
In 1997 Keith Pine presented a proposal to the Health Funding Authority (HFA) for the…
1988 purchased Geddes Dental
When the commercial property market declined in 1989 Pine turned his attention back to his…
1987 Boat restoration
Besides his professional career Keith Pine is a keen sailor with a fascination for old…
1981 Founded Pine Construction
The 1980s was a time of incredible change in New Zealand; business was redefined, commercial…
1980 creating monsters
During the 1970 and 1980s Keith Pine was often called upon to create prosthetics for television,…
1978 Dental Laboratory
Keith Pine left Middlemore Hospital in 1978 to set up Keith Pine & Associates' dental…
1975 Prosthetist Auckland
During his 16 years with the Plastic Surgical Dental Unit at Middlemore Hospital, Keith Pine…