FAQ

We prefer that you make your appointment by telephoning us. This is the best way as we can arrange the best time and location for your visit according to your condition and its urgent nature. We endeavour to provide the quickest and best care in the most convenient location to you.

If you have difficulty in calling us, you may complete our Appointment Request Form and click “Request Appointment” at the bottom of the form.

In order to ensure you get the maximum rebate from Medicare please ensure that you have a valid referral from your doctor or optometrist. Most referrals are in effect for a period of 12 months from date of issue if obtained from GP or optometrist and for 3 months if it is obtained from a specialist.

Although every effort is made to remind existing patients for the need to renew their referral, it is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to obtain one.

• Medicare card, Pension or Health Care Card
• Private health Insurance details
• A valid referral
• Your current glasses
• A list of all your current medications

For your first appointment, we recommend that you allow up to 2 hours as it may be necessary to dilate your pupil or perform other tests to diagnose your condition. Subsequent visits usually take less time unless you are booked to undergo certain procedures.

At your first visit, it is likely that you will have dilating drops to check your retina. These drops will make your vision blurry for some time. It is therefore advised that you wait for 1 to 2 hours after your appointment before you can drive again.

Dilating drops may also be used at subsequent consultations, depending on your eye condition.

• After your consultation, an account will be issued for the services you received and it is expected that you settle all accounts on the day of your visit.
• We accept cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Mastercard or VISA card.
• If you wish, we can submit your payment electronically to Medicare so you will receive the Medicare rebate directly to your bank account in a few days.
• If you undergo certain treatments or investigations at our centres, we may accept part payment on the visit day to cover the out of pocket cost and expect that you send us the Medicare check when you receive it.
• If you need a surgical procedure, you will be given a financial quotation at the time of booking explaining your out- of- pocket costs.

• If you are a new patient with an urgent problem, please ask your referring doctor or optometrist to contact us directly to discuss your case with our staff.
• For our existing patients, you will most likely have been given our doctor’s emergency numbers if you have undergone a recent surgical procedure. Otherwise you may call us and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
• In any case, if you still cannot get in touch with us during holidays or out of hours, we suggest you call or visit the royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital on 03 9929-8666 for urgent attention.