Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no pain involved with an eye examination – just a few bright lights and maybe a camera flash if photography is involved. If drops are required to be instilled as part of the examination these may sting a little for a very short time.

Even though many of our patients are referred to see us, no you don’t need a referral to see us for an eye examination. However, if you have been recommended or referred to us by another professional such as a GP, an allied health professional, another optometrist or a teacher with specific concerns in mind, then a referral or letter would be helpful as this would detail why they feel an assessment at our practice would be of benefit to you.

The frequency of your appointments will depend on your eye health and visual conditions. If you don’t wear contact lenses, glasses or have any eye health issues then every 2 years is recommended. For those who wear corrective lenses, are diabetic or who are over the age of 65 years then annual visits are recommended.

All children should have an eye examination at least the year before starting school, or earlier if there are specific concerns, and then regularly every 2 years during the school year or as recommended as part of their individual treatment program.

Whilst there is a Medicare rebate available for most of our consultations and we can process this for you on-the-spot, we only bulk-bill in limited situations. This includes most consultations for those under 5 years or over 80 years of age.   As a courtesy we give a 15% discount on consultations and imaging to current pension card holders.

Yes, if you have optical extras cover through your private Health Funds, you will be able to claim part of the cost of your glasses, prescription sunglasses or contact lenses.

Health Funds vary in the amount they will pay towards each item.

We have HICAPS electronic claiming and if you bring your Health Fund Card with you, we can make an on-the-spot claim after which you simply pay any gap amount directly to us electronically using your card. You may wish to check with your Health Fund as to what they will pay and for some funds we can use your card to make an electronic enquiry via a quote.

Behavioural Optometrists perform the same eye sight and eye health tests as your traditional optometrist but will also take time to explore the functioning of your visual system in more detail. They work to diagnose and treat functional visual problems with a goal of enhancing visual performance via a more holistic approach to vision care.

Behavioural optometrists have the same university training as traditional optometrists and have also devoted years of post-graduate study and continuing education in this specialised field of Optometry.

Yes, absolutely. Behavioural Optometry is supported by a substantial and growing body of research spanning many decades and around the world. Clinical evidence is rigorous and growing as a result of the output of new generations of clinicians, academics and researchers. Visit the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) website for more information.