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What can I expect at my appointment?
Please allow between 1 to 1.5 hours for your initial consultation. You need to allow time for registration and investigations to be performed. Quite often patients will require their pupils to be dilated which can add to the time spent at your consultation.
What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?
- Letter of referral
- Current glasses used for reading and driving
- Medicare, Pension or Veteran’s Affairs cards
- Private Health Insurance details (this will be needed if you are being booked in for eye surgery)
- A list of current medications and medical history from your local doctor
- Any information including scans or reports from your previous Ophthalmologists or Optometrists
Why do I need a referral?
A current referral from your GP or optometrist is important as this will help to keep your Ophthalmologist up-to-date with your health conditions. This also allows you to claim a rebate from Medicare. The referral can be brought with you on the day of your appointment or faxed, emailed or posted prior to you seeing the doctor. A referral from a General Practitioner or Optometrist will last for 12 months. If you attend your appointment without a current referral and you elect to see the doctor, there will be no Medicare rebate and all the costs are born by you the patient.
How much will my appointment cost?
The cost of your consultation will vary depending on the type of investigations/procedures performed. We ask that all accounts be paid in full at the time of your consultation. This will then be lodged electronically to Medicare on your behalf by our receptionists. If you have registered your bank details with Medicare you will received your rebate within 24 to 48 hours. Please be aware that some procedures do not attract a rebate from Medicare.
Pensioner discounts are available for those that are eligible.
Should I drive after my appointment?
We recommend you do not drive immediately after your appointment and that you bring a driver as some drops/procedures may make it difficult to drive afterwards. You may also like to bring a pair of sunglasses to the appointment to reduce glare if your pupils have been dilated.
Does my private health insurance cover me for my appointment?
Your Private Health Insurance only covers the cost for in-hospital procedures.
Does my Private Health Insurance fully cover my Cataract Surgery?
Depending on your Health Fund there may or may not be an additional out of pocket expense associated with Cataract Surgery. Please contact your Private Health Insurance to confirm your cover.