What can I expect at my first consultation?
Our friendly reception staff will welcome you and confirm your personal details. You will then be directed within our eye clinic.
At the eye clinic you will be seen first by our orthoptist. The orthoptist will confirm your referral is up to date and perform any preliminary tests that are required. Our clinical nurse may need to dilate your eyes this can take 30 minutes.
Once the preliminary tests have been completed and the drops have worked you will see one of our ophthalmologists. They will perform a thorough eye examination and advise you of any condition you have and the need for any treatment.
Some treatments may be performed at the initial visit. You will be advised of the need for any follow up appointment.
How long will my appointment take?
You should expect to be at the clinic for at least one hour. This time allows for dilation of the eyes and preliminary testing. If further testing or treatment is required your visit may take longer, our orthoptist will advise you of the expected duration of your appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Your most recent glasses
- A list of your current medications
- A current referral from your optometrist or GP
- Medicare and private health insurance information
- Please bring any eye drops you are taking
Do I need to have my pupils dilated?
For the majority of patients on their initial visit a dilated eye exam is needed. This gives the ophthalmologist the opportunity to conduct a complete and thorough examination of your eyes.
Can I drive after my appointment?
It is best not to drive. Once your pupils are dilated your vision may be blurry for up to 4 hours.
What conditions do you manage?
We specialise in cataract surgery. We also manage:
- Retinal conditions and perform eye injections
- Oculoplastic conditions
- Glaucoma
- Paediatric conditions
How much will my appointment cost?
Depending on your appointment the prices will vary. The maximum you will pay will be $250. You will receive a rebate from Medicare for each appointment you attend.
Because patient centered care is important to us, we have introduced packages to ensure you pay minimal amounts for your consultation. These packages are inclusive of all the tests required during your visit, meaning no nasty unexpected costs!
If you would like to know more about our costs, please give our friendly staff a call and we can try fit you into one of our attractive and affordable packages.
Will it cost more for investigations?
There is no additional cost for investigations.
Will it cost more for procedures?
There will be no additional cost for procedures undertaken on your initial appointment except in some uncommon clinical instance. You will be advised if there is a cost before we perform any procedure.
Procedures undertaken in subsequent visits most commonly eye injections and laser for glaucoma will incur an additional out-of-pocket cost.
Is there a discount for pensioners and health care card-holders?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any discounts. We have kept our fees to a bare minimum and are not in a position to offer further discounts.
Do I have to settle my account on the day?
Yes, all accounts must be settled on the day. If you pay by EFTPOS or are registered with Medicare online your re-bate should appear in your account within 24 hours.
Please register with Medicare for the Safety Net program to ensure you obtain the maximum rebate for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Do I need a referral?
It is vital that you have an up-to-date referral from your optometrist.
We accept referrals from GP’s for oculoplastic and paediatric referrals only.
If you do not have a referral you will not be eligible for the Medicare rebate and you will incur a significant out-of-pocket expenses. It is your responsibility to have an up-to-date referral.
Does my health insurance cover the cost?
Health insurance does not cover the cost for out patient appointments, investigations or procedures.
How much will I have to pay if I need surgery?
- Privately insured patients may pay a GAP payment for surgery depending on their health fund arrangements. We will discuss this with you at your consultation if necessary
However, there is an initial clinic fee and a surgical booking fee that must be paid.
- Uninsured patients: will be able to have cataract surgery for less than $1600 per eye. Again our eye team can provide you with a quote for the full cost of surgery.
What if I have an Eye Emergency?
We are unable to provide emergency care. If you experience an emergency eye problem, please consult your local optometrist or the nearest Emergency Department.
Is it hard to find the Eye Clinic?
Our eye clinic is conveniently located in 11 Neill Street, Sunbury 3429 (see map below).
Emergency care:
Due to having our clinics increase in the last 6 months, we have recently introduced an emergency care service if we have an ophthalmologist onsite. This service will prevent patients from having to wait long periods in the emergency room and still receive the highest level of care from our staff.
How is my record kept?
All patient consultation and surgical records are kept electronically in the eye clinic database. Your records will remain strictly confidential and your privacy is guaranteed.