Vision Eye Institute Coburg Clinic

At Vision Eye Institute Coburg, we have the latest ophthalmic equipment and technology and this, together with our highly experienced doctors, means patients can rest assured that they are receiving professional, high-quality eye care.

Patients are kept comfortable with 3 waiting areas featuring free WiFi, TVs, up-to-date magazines, crossword and word-search books and restrooms. We also have 7 consulting rooms, 2 treatment rooms, an angiogram room, and retinal and YAG lasers. Our doctors can access patients’ OCT and VFT test results directly from the consulting room computers.

Surgical procedures are performed at Panch Day Surgery in Preston, Camberwell Day Surgery and Footscray Day Surgery. We can usually perform intravitreal injections (IVI) as an outpatient procedure to minimise costs for our patients.

As part of our service, patients are seen by our highly trained clinical orthoptists before their consultation with the ophthalmologist. Orthoptists are university-trained technicians who play an important role in the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with eye disorders. The orthoptist is able to answer many questions about your condition and treatment or surgical plan to help you make an informed decision.

We also have several staff members who speak other languages (Greek, Italian, Turkish, Mandarin, Chinese and Macedonian) and may be available for translation purposes. Please note, however, that we cannot guarantee the availability of a translator. Where possible, patients are asked to bring someone who can translate for them.

Vision Eye Institute Coburg ophthalmologists have significant experience and interest in treating a range of conditions that affect the eye. Some of the main services that our eye specialists provide are listed below.

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the world and can restore your vision and quality of life. Cataracts form when the normally transparent lens in your eye becomes cloudy. Surgery to remove and replace the lens with an artificial one is the only way to treat a cataract. With the development of new intraocular lenses, some patients may not require reading glasses after their cataract procedure. Our cataract surgeons are highly experienced and can help you choose the right lens for your vision and lifestyle needs.

Corneal conditions

Vision Eye Institute Coburg is one of the main eye clinics in Melbourne that performs corneal cross-linking for patients with keratoconus. This procedure may be recommended by your doctor to help stop the condition from progressing and your eye sight from deteriorating further. Corneal collagen-cross-linking is now available on the Medicare Benefits Scheme, meaning patients can access a rebate.

Our doctors also treat other corneal conditions such as corneal abrasions and ulcers, keratitis, Fuchs’ dystrophy, pterygium (Surfer’s Eye) and ocular herpes.

Retinal conditions

We treat the full range of retinal conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, macular holes and eye floaters.

Pupil-dilating drops are often used to allow a thorough examination of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. These drops make your vision blurry and increase sensitivity to glare and light. Please bring a pair of sunglasses with you to the consultation and be aware that you may need to wait until your vision has returned to normal before you can drive home. Alternatively, you may wish to make other travel arrangements.

Please be aware that some retinal conditions require urgent treatment, perhaps even on the day of your consultation.

Vision Eye Institute Coburg patients with macular conditions are able to access a support program called Smart Sight. Please ask your doctor or orthoptist for further information.

Glaucoma

Also known as the ‘sneak thief of sight’, glaucoma is often undetected until it has reached the advanced stages and there is significant and irreversible vision loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma. Our doctors have expertise in diagnosing and managing this chronic condition using medications, laser therapy, minimally invasive surgery (e.g. iStent) and trabeculectomy.

Laser eye surgery

Most people with short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism are eligible for some form of vision correction procedure. Our surgeons have expertise in laser eye surgery (LASIK, ASLA/PRK), refractive lens exchange and implantable lenses.

At your initial assessment, we will carefully examine your eyes to determine whether you are suitable for vision correction. At the same time, we can also recommend the procedure that is most appropriate for you. Like any surgery, there are benefits and risks and your surgeons will discuss these with you in detail.

The following services are available at our clinic:

• Free laser surgery assessments performed by our Clinical Optometrist, Kyra Stretton. Call 1800 1 LASER (1800 152 737) or take our online eligibility quiz if you would like to book an initial assessment for laser eye surgery.
• Pre-surgical consultations with one of our highly experienced laser eye surgeons or Clinical Optometrist Kyra Stretton. Have your full assessment before surgery, discuss the most suitable surgical option for you (LASIK or PRK) and get all your questions answered.
• Post-operative care supported by Kyra Stretton, in conjunction with our laser doctors.

Laser eye surgery will be performed at our dedicated, state-of-the-art laser suite at our Melbourne (St Kilda Rd) clinic.

Payment plans

Latitude Gem Visa may be an option for laser eye surgery procedures (credit limit subject to approval). Latitude Gem Visa offers interest-free payment plans, low monthly account fees and fast approval.^*

*Approved customers only. Conditions, fees and charges apply. Credit provided by Latitude Finance Australia ABN 42 008 583 588 Australian Credit Licence number 392145. Before applying for any form of credit, always read the full terms and conditions.