What to expect at your consultation

When you come to see one of our Ophthalmologists, you will initially be seen by an Orthoptist. An Orthoptist is a health care professional with university training specifically of the eye.

Your medical history

The Orthoptist will take a history from you, to ascertain any problems or concerns.  As part of this history taking they will also ask for a list of your current medications, any allergies to medication and family history of eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract, strabismus, diabetes, melanoma, etc.

It is helpful if patients have checked with their blood relatives (parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins) prior to their appointment to see if they have had any previous eye problems as many eye conditions have a genetic  component to them.

Vision testing

Next your vision for both distance and reading will be check, so it is advisable for you to bring all currently glasses with you to your examination, followed by specific test depending on your presenting concern and consultation with the Ophthalmologist you are going to be examined by.  These include:

Having your pressures checked – which is a test for glaucoma.

Your eyes dilated – to enable the retina to be check for macular degeneration and retinal tears amongst other problems.  These drops will make your vision blurry for approximately 2 hours following your consultation and it is advisable for you to bring your sunglasses with you to help you cope with this afterwards.  Some patients prefer to either come by public transport or have a family member or friend drive them to  their appointment.

Visual field tests – tests for visual field changes related to either glaucoma or neurological concerns.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – this test is used for looking in detail at the macula for any changes that can be caused by macula denegation, diabetic changes, macula hole and many other problems.  This test can also be used to examine the optic nerve as part of a glaucoma assessment.

Photos – often photos are taken to document the current status of your eye condition to allow for future comparison.  This is particular important with lesions, such as moles or naevus, of the eye, but can also be used to document changes with diabetes and glaucomatous changes to the optic nerve.

Once these initial tests have been performed you will then be seen by the Ophthalmologist.  Once the Ophthalmologist has examined you, often further tests and procedures are required.

We suggest that patients allow approximately 2 hours for their consultation.

What to bring with you

• Referral letter
• Medicare card
• Pension or Veterans Affairs card (DVA) if applicable
• List of medications
• Glasses (both distance/driving and reading) or contact lenses (please bring a case for these)
• Sunglasses

Consultation duration

We suggest that patients allow approximately 2 hours for their consultation. Please note your eyes may require dilation, in which case it is not safe to drive immediately afterwards due to blurred vision and alternate travel arrangements may need to be made or you may enjoy a cuppa nearby.

Make an appointment

We are open Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.

To make an appointment, please contact reception on (02) 9411 5000 during office hours.

NOTE: we are unable to take appointment bookings via email.