What to bring to your appointment

It is very helpful if you can bring the following to your appointment

  • Current referral (from GP, optometrist, specialist)
  • Your medicare card and private health insurance details
  • List of medications
  • Medical history (list of medical conditions and previous operations)
  • Your glasses
  • Reports of Xrays, scans and pathology results that you think are relevant to your eye condition
  • Sunglasses and hat to help with glare on the way home

Your current referral also allows you to obtain the Medicare subsidy for your consultation, procedures and most tests performed at the Clinic. Referrals from your family doctor or optometrist last for 12 months.

Please be advised that for any new problem with your eyes, you will require a new referral from your family doctor or optometrist.  If you choose not to obtain a new referral you will be unable to claim the higher subsidy from Medicare Australia.

If you are an existing patient of the Clinic, at every visit your details will be checked by our friendly reception staff to ensure any changes to your circumstances are noted.  You must also have a current referral and our reception staff will advise you before you leave whether you need a new referral for your next visit.  If you are unsure, please call the Clinic to obtain your referral status.

What to expect on the day of my appointment

A nurse or ophthalmic technician will measure your vision, take your ophthalmic and medical history and put eye drops in to dilate your pupils.

The dilating drops will blur your vision for four to six hours. IT IS NOT LEGAL TO DRIVE A CAR WHILE YOUR PUPILS ARE DILATED. Please travel by public transport or bring someone with you to drive you home.

Depending on your condition, you may need photographs and scans taken and this can take up to an hour in some patients.

If you require urgent treatment, this can often be performed on the same day, but will take additional time.

If you are offered an emergency appointment, please understand that sometimes the wait may be a little longer if the clinic is full and all of the emergency spots have been filled.

Because of detailed preliminary testing, an appointment may be expected to take up to two (2) hours.

Fees

Cairns Eye Surgery is not a bulk-billing practice. Each practitioner has “schedule of fees” which is based on the fees recommended by the Australian Medical Association and the Medicare Fee Schedule. Any other tests, treatments or procedures required to reach a diagnosis attract an additional charge.

You will be required to have a CURRENT referral to be able to claim the full benefits from Medicare.  These can be obtained from any doctor or optometrist.

Our staff will be able to advise you of the cost of consultation and any additional treatment you require, at the time you make your appointment. If you require surgery, you will be provided with a written “Informed Financial Consent” which sets out the expected costs and any benefits that may be payable by Medicare and your private health fund.

Fees are payable on the day of consultation and can be made via cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Visa or MasterCard.