Frequently Asked Questions

An ophthalmologist is a specialist medical doctor with further specialist training in eye disease, while an optometrist tests your vision, prescribes glasses or contact lenses, and screens for common eye conditions. Our ophthalmologists hold specialist registration. Your optometrist or GP refers you to an ophthalmologist when a condition needs specialist assessment, ongoing management, or surgery.

Yes, a referral is required from your GP or optometrist before your appointment. The referral gives your surgeon important background about your eyes and general health, which helps us prepare. If you are unsure whether your referral is current, our staff can check this when you contact us to book.

Ask your GP or optometrist to refer you. They can send a referral letter to us directly, or give you a copy to bring to your appointment. If you would like to see a particular surgeon, let your referring practitioner know so they can address the referral accordingly. You can read more about referrals on our referrals page.

Waiting times depend on the urgency of your condition and which surgeon you are seeing. Urgent referrals are prioritised; routine appointments are usually scheduled within a few weeks, depending on availability.

Bringing the right items helps us care for you. Please bring the following to your first appointment:

• Your referral letter from your GP or optometrist (if you have a copy)
• Your Medicare card
• Your current glasses, including reading and distance glasses
• A list of any medicines you take, including eye drops
• The name and details of your usual optometrist or GP

It is also helpful to write down any questions you have so you can raise them during your consultation.

Your surgeon will assess your eyes by asking about your symptoms, your eye history, and your general health, then examining your eyes. This may include vision testing, an examination with a microscope (the slit lamp), measurement of the pressure inside your eyes, and sometimes further tests or imaging. Your surgeon will then explain what they have found and discuss the options available to you.

Please allow up to two hours for a first appointment. This gives time for any tests, and for your eyes to be dilated if needed. Appointment lengths vary with the assessment required, so your visit may be shorter.

Your eyes may be dilated for many examinations, particularly assessments of the retina or before cataract surgery. We use eye drops that widen the pupil so your surgeon can see the back of your eye clearly. The drops blur your near vision and make your eyes more sensitive to light for a few hours afterwards.

Arranging a driver is wise because you should not drive for two to three hours after your eyes are dilated. We also recommend bringing sunglasses for the journey home, as your eyes will be more sensitive to light.

Around 15 to 30 minutes is usual for the procedure itself. On the day, allow roughly two to three hours at the day surgery, which covers preparation beforehand and a short recovery afterwards. Your surgeon and the surgery centre will give you specific timings before the day.

It depends on the lens used and your individual eyes. Many patients who have a standard monofocal lens still need reading glasses for close tasks. Your surgeon will discuss the lens options and what each may mean for your need for glasses, so you can make an informed choice.

The two eyes are treated separately in most cases, with an interval between them. This allows the first eye to settle and gives your surgeon useful information for the second eye before deciding on the approach for you.

Glaucoma cannot be cured yet, but treatment can often slow the progression of vision loss when the condition is diagnosed and managed appropriately over the long term. Ongoing monitoring is important, which is why regular reviews are recommended once glaucoma is diagnosed.

Glaucoma can run in families. People who have a first-degree relative with glaucoma have a higher risk of developing it themselves and should have regular eye checks from around the age of 40, or earlier if advised. If glaucoma runs in your family, we can talk you through the checks that suit your situation.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a group of procedures that use small incisions and fine instruments to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye and help lower the pressure inside it. MIGS is often considered for mild to moderate glaucoma, sometimes alongside cataract surgery, depending on your type and stage of the condition.

No treatment reverses macular degeneration at present. For wet age-related macular degeneration, intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy can help slow the progression of vision loss. Early referral improves the opportunity for treatment to preserve remaining vision.

Floaters are small shapes that drift across your vision, and they are very common. They are usually caused by natural age-related changes in the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye. Most floaters are harmless and become less noticeable over time, though a sudden change in floaters should always be checked.

Seek urgent assessment if symptoms come on suddenly, such as a sudden increase in floaters, persistent flashing lights, or a curtain or shadow across your vision. These can occasionally signal a retinal problem that needs prompt attention. Contact your optometrist, GP, or our rooms without delay, or attend your nearest emergency department if you cannot reach us quickly.

Untreated dry eye can affect the eye surface over time if it is significant. Most cases, however, can be managed well with appropriate treatment and ongoing care. If your dry eye symptoms are persistent or affecting your daily life, an assessment can help identify the cause and the most suitable treatment for you.

Pterygium surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, so the eye is numbed for the procedure. Afterwards, it is normal to have some redness, irritation, and watering of the eye for around two to four weeks as it heals. Your surgeon will explain what to expect and how to care for your eye during recovery.

Costs vary with the consultation or procedure involved and your individual circumstances.  Please ask our staff and they can walk you through the details directly. Our staff will explain what to expect before a booking is confirmed. Please have your referral, Medicare card, DVA or Health fund details ready when you call and speak with one of our friendly members of staff.

Phone our rooms on (02) 9874 5947. Our staff can answer your questions, help you arrange an appointment, and direct your enquiry to the right person.

You can also visit our contact page for our location and details.

Our rooms are at 22 East Parade, Eastwood NSW 2122, and consulting hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Epping Surgery Centre is our main day-surgery venue, with Sydney Eye Hospital, Macquarie University Hospital and Chatswood Private Hospital also used depending on your surgeon and procedure. Please see our locations page for directions and parking.