Your Surgery
Your eye specialist will assess and discuss with you if your condition requires eye surgery. If surgery is required, a theatre location and date can be organised at the time of your consultation.
Most surgeries are day procedures, performed under local anaesthetic in a theatre setting. Some surgery may require an overnight stay. Most of our consulting ophthalmologists perform surgery at many different hospitals across Melbourne.
When you choose to book your surgery with a provider consulting at Bayside Eyes, you can expect a seamless experience with a capable, trusted ophthalmologist.
Surgery Costs
Following your detailed consultation and testing, a customised treatment plan will be put together for you. If surgery is required, this will enable our theatre bookings coordinator to give you a detailed, precise quote, including eligibility with any private health insurance you may have, or options for self funding. We do not give out surgery costs until you have had an appointment. The price of a surgical procedure varies as it depends on multiple factors. This would be discussed following your consultation.
Fasting
You will be required to fast prior to your surgery, the fasting times can vary. Once the surgery has been booked you will be informed of your fasting timeline.
The operation - what to expect
For most surgical eye procedures, you will be in the surgery centre for approximately 4 hours, from the time you greet the reception staff at the admissions desk, until you leave. Here's an outline of what to expect on the day of surgery.
1
Sedative
When you arrive in the operative suite you will be given a mild sedative.
2
Drops
For most eye procedures, drops will be put in your eye to dilate (enlarge) the pupil.
3
Anaesthetic
A painless anaesthetic will be administered.
4
Prepare for surgery
The skin around the eye will be cleaned. Sterile drapes will be placed around your head and face. You will be able to breathe normally. You will feel no pain, only slight pressure on your eye and face. All you have to do is to relax and hold still.
5
Monitor
Your doctor’s specialist anaesthetist will ensure that you are comfortable at all times. Most people have no memory of the actual surgical procedure.
6
The surgery
A microscope will be positioned over your eye and you will be asked to look towards the light of the microscope. Your doctor will stabilise your eye with a device to keep your eyelids open.
7
Communication
The doctor will talk to you during the surgery to tell you what is going on. If you have any problems during the surgery, or you need to cough, you must speak up and tell your doctor.
8
Rest
After surgery you rest for a while in a reclining chair and have a warm drink and some sandwiches. Most patients are able to leave within an hour.
9
Go home
Your eye will be covered and you will have had an anaesthetic. So a friend or family member will need to take you home. Most people do not need to stay overnight in hospital.
10
Follow up Visits
You may have a dry, gritty-feeling eye after the surgery. You will be required to attend post-operative appointments at the clinic. These may be 1-2 days following surgery and may be ongoing for a few weeks. It is important as part of your post-operative care that you attend these appointments.
Surgery FAQs
Most of the ophthalmologists consulting at Bayside Eyes perform surgery at a range of hospitals across Melbourne. Share your preferences with the Theatre booking team to discuss.
It's recommended to avoid exercise for 2 weeks following most eye surgery to avoid complications. You may be able to return to light activity such as walking after 1 week. Your doctor will share detailed post-operative instructions.
Plan to take at least 3 days off work to allow enough time for rest after surgery. Physical or strenuous jobs will require a longer recovery period. You doctor will provide detailed advice to suit your unique situation.