When you arrive to our practice one of our reception staff will get check you in. Following this you will be seen by an Orthoptist who will conduct the initial examination and complete any necessary testing before you see the ophthalmologist. You may need to have dilating drops instilled, which need time to work before you can see the ophthalmologist.
The ophthalmologist will then see you and conduct their examination. Depending on their findings they may or may not request more tests to be done by the Orthoptist in which case you will have those done before seeing the ophthalmologist again.
Dilating drops are used to enlarge your pupil so that the Ophthalmologist can get a much wider and better view of the back of your eye. As the pupil becomes larger, more light enters the eye and as a result patients may experience a sensitivity to light/glare. It also becomes difficult to focus and vision becomes blurred, especially at near (reading/phone/computer). The effects of the drops can last for several hours and as a result, we recommend that you do not drive after having dilating drops. It is often helpful to bring along a pair of dark sunglasses to minimise the glare.
Please allow 1-2 hours for your consultation. Extra time maybe required for diagnostic tests and minor procedures to be performed on the day.
We endeavour to run as close to appointment times as possible. However, as we often need to fit-in urgent cases there may be unavoidable delays.
We will need a current and valid referral from either your GP, optometrist or specialist. A referral from your GP or optometrist will be valid for 12 months. A referral from another specialist will be valid for 3 months only. We will endeavour to notify you if your referral has expired but it is your responsibility to ensure that it is current. Without a current referral Medicare will not be able to process a refund into your account.
Unfortunately, private health funds do not provide a rebate for consults. Your health fund however may provide you benefits if you require a procedure (e.g. cataract surgery)
To ensure we have all the necessary information it is important to bring along:
An invoice will be issued on the day of your visit and it is expected that it be settled on the day of consultation.
Payyment can be made by cash, EFTPOS or Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard/American Express)
We encourage all patients to register with their banking details with Medicare so that we are able to claim from Medicare on your behalf.