Preparing for your consultation

To help make your appointment go as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together some handy information below.

Booking a consultation

Please call the clinic to book an appointment. Let the receptionist know if you require an urgent appointment.

Remember to confirm the following details.

• The length of time you are likely to be at the clinic: For some patients, this could be up to 3 hours to allow time for tests, and sometimes even treatment, to be performed
• Whether you need to bring a referral letter (new patients): In order to receive a Medicare rebate for the consultation fee, a GP or optometrist must agree that you need to see an ophthalmologist for your condition
• Whether your current referral is still valid (existing patients): Referrals generally expire after 12 months. Once this happens, you will need to visit your GP or optometrist to get another referral
• Whether you need someone to accompany/drive you home: Depending on your condition, your pupils may be dilated with drops to allow a comprehensive eye examination. As a result, you will have blurry vision and sensitivity to glare/bright light for about 4 to 6 hours. You will not be allowed to drive home
• If you need to bring your glasses or glasses script from the optometrist
• If you need to stop wearing contact lenses before your appointment
• If you need to stop taking your medications (if any) before your appointment
• Whether there are likely to be any out-of-pocket costs: There may be fees associated with the consultation, various eye tests and treatment.

Parking

For information on clinic parking, please visit the individual clinic page.

What to bring

• Your referral letter from a GP or optometrist (see above)
• Your Medicare card
• Your private health insurance card (if you are insured)
• Pensioner or concession card (if applicable)
• Veteran Affairs card (if applicable)
• A list of your current medications, including any vitamins, supplements or herbal medicines
• Sunglasses (in case your pupils are dilated as part of the examination process)
• Payment for any out-of-pocket costs (if applicable)

You may wish to bring a friend, family member or carer and a list of questions to the appointment to help you understand your condition and make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

Our clinics also have qualified orthoptists and optometrists on hand to help answer any questions you may have following your consultation with the ophthalmologist.

Waiting times

Our booking system is designed so that we can see patients as efficiently as possible and keep waiting times to a minimum.

However, unexpected situations/emergencies can and do arise because we treat a range of eye conditions, many of which can be sight-threatening and require immediate attention. As registered and professional healthcare providers, we have a duty of care to look after all of our patients to the best of our ability. Unfortunately, this sometimes means that our doctors and orthoptists may run over time.

While we never like to inconvenience patients, we hope that you can appreciate our aim of providing the highest level of care. Please be assured that the same priority service will be extended to you should it ever be required.