Preparing for your appointment
There's some important things to consider when planning for your appointment.
You require a current referral from your local GP or optometrist to receive a Medicare rebate.
Waiting times may be up to 2 hours when visiting an eye specialist. Please allow adequate time for your appointment.
If we apply drops to dilate your eyes, you may need someone else to drive you home.
A referral is required
Before booking an appointment you should see your local GP or optometrist for a referral. A referral is the written medical advice from a clinical body or primary care provider referring you for further consultation, review, or action with a specialised practitioner.
A referral is very helpful for your ophthalmologist to have some history and information about your current medical condition from your primary care provider. Also, you are only eligible for Medicare rebates with a valid referral, which needs to be re-issued every 12 months from a GP or optometrist, or every three months in the case of a specialist referral. Referrals must updated every 12 months, be in writing, signed by the referring practitioner and dated.
What to expect when you arrive
When you arrive for your appointment you will see an orthoptist prior to seeing your doctor. The orthoptist is a university-trained clinician who performs highly specialised tests of vision function. It is a requirement that you see the orthoptist first as it assists the doctor in their clinical assessment.
Waiting times
As advised on your appointment confirmation letter, waiting times may be up to 2 hours. This is often the case in the speciality of ophthalmology. Please be patient and if you are unable to wait for this amount of time, please advise our reception staff and your appointment will be rescheduled.
Waiting can be due to a number of factors. Patients may have multiple or complicated eye conditions. The dilation of your pupils can take 20-30 minutes and additional diagnostic tests may be required to assist the doctor in reaching a diagnosis. We often have emergency patients that are in peril of losing their sight. These patients are seen immediately or as soon as possible. Emergency appointments are allocated for each session but occasionally more than these are needed.
Payment
Payment on the day of the consultation is required. We accept Eftpos and Credit Card. You are eligible for some Medicare rebates with a valid referral.
Driving Home
Drops may be used to dilate your pupils during your consultation. These drops will blur your eyes, affecting your near vision. It may take approximately three hours for your vision to return to normal. We suggest you avoid driving during this time and recommend you have someone drive you home. Sunglasses will help to minimise the glare caused by dilated pupils.