Orthopaedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle Specialist
Dr Meghan Dares
Dr Meghan Dares is a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon and co-founder of Joint Vision. Her clinical focus includes minimally invasive bunion correction, forefoot deformity, sporting injuries, ankle instability and selected trauma.
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Background
Dr Meghan Dares is an Australian-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle care. She has a particular interest in minimally invasive bunion surgery and forefoot deformity correction, alongside the assessment and treatment of sports injuries, ankle instability and tendon conditions.
As a co-founder and clinical leader of Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, she has helped develop a model that brings specialist consultation, imaging, allied health and rehabilitation together. Her approach considers the diagnosis alongside a person's mobility, footwear, work, activity and recovery goals.
Training and qualifications
Dr Dares holds the qualifications BMed, FRACS, FA(Orth)A and MIPH. Her orthopaedic and subspecialty experience includes training and practice in Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association.
Her clinical work spans public and private hospital settings, including Wollongong Hospital and Wollongong Private Hospital. She has previously served as Director of Orthopaedics at Wollongong Hospital.
Approach to foot and ankle care
Dr Dares takes time to explain the diagnosis, available treatment options and what recovery may involve. For bunions and forefoot conditions, the choice of procedure is considered in the context of the deformity, symptoms and the patient's day-to-day needs. Minimally invasive techniques form an important part of her practice, with the treatment plan tailored to the individual.
At Joint Vision, podiatry, on-site X-ray and ultrasound, physiotherapy, nursing and rehabilitation can be coordinated around assessment and treatment. This allows care to continue from the first consultation through preparation, follow-up and return to activity.
Research, teaching and leadership
Dr Dares contributes to the Joint Vision Orthopaedic Research Institute (JVORI), including research into bunion surgery outcomes. She is a JVORI board member and supervises orthopaedic fellows, medical students and undergraduate students. She also holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer appointment with the University of Wollongong's Graduate School of Medicine.
Her professional interests include surgical education, mentorship and the development of multidisciplinary musculoskeletal care.
Clinical interests
- Minimally invasive bunion surgery: assessment and correction of symptomatic bunions, with planning based on the individual's deformity and functional needs.
- Hammertoe and forefoot deformity: management of painful toe deformities and associated footwear difficulties.
- Foot and ankle sports injuries: assessment of ligament, tendon and cartilage injuries affecting activity and sport.
- Ankle instability: assessment and treatment planning for recurrent sprains and ligament injury.
- Tendon disorders: surgical and non-surgical options considered according to the condition and symptoms.
- Arthroscopy and minimally invasive procedures: keyhole techniques for selected foot and ankle conditions.
- Selected foot and ankle trauma: specialist assessment and management of injuries within her scope of practice.
Video introduction
Booking and referral
A current GP referral is generally required. Call the patient services team on (02) 4250 4500 to request an appointment and confirm fees and referral requirements.
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