What to bring to your eye appointment
- A referral from your Optometrist or your GP
- Your current prescription glasses and/or contact lenses
- A list of your current medications and allergies
- Your Medicare, Health fund, DVA and Pension cards
Can I drive to my appointment?
This is not adviseable. Your pupils will usually need to be dilated with dilating drops to enable examination of the back of your eyes – the dilation effect of the drops usually blurs your vision & this can take 2 hours or so to wear off. It is therefore recommended that you bring a driver or take public or courtesy bus transport. Dilating your pupils may not take place at every appointment but you should be prepared just in case. You might find it helpful to bring a pair of dark glasses to reduce the glare that can be experienced while the dilating drops wear off.
How long will I be in the clinic & what can I expect?
This can range anywhere from half an hour to one and a half hours depending on which tests need to be carried out. When you arrive, you will be given a registration form to complete. You will then be seen by our clinical assistant where a medical history will be taken followed by a check of your vision. Dilating drops may be instilled at this point and you will need to wait in the waiting area for about 20 minutes while the drops work, before being seen by Dr Edrich. Her findings will determine whether further specialised tests will need to be carried out and an appropriate treatment plan arranged. Everything will be fully discussed and all queries & concerns addressed. Please feel free to bring a list of questions.
How can I claim my rebate for my clinic visit?
If you are registered with Medicare then you will receive a rebate for part of the costs of the consultation and tests carried out. The rebate is paid directly into your nominated bank account if you are registered with Medicare on-line otherwise you will be given a receipt to take to your local Medicare Office to claim your rebate. The amount of rebate you receive increases once you have reached or crossed the Medicare threshold. Please be aware that your health fund does not cover any consultations or tests carried out in the out-patient clinic. Health funds cover treatments carried out in hospital and day surgery only.