FAQ

An ophthalmologist is an eye specialist (specialist doctor) who specialises in diagnosis and surgical or medical treatment of diseases of the eye. Ophthalmology training equips eye specialists to provide the full spectrum of eye care, including the prescription of glasses and contact lenses, medical treatment and complex microsurgery.

In Australia and New Zealand, an ophthalmologist is required to have undertaken a minimum of 12-14 years of training, including:

• 5 years at a medical school, graduating with a degree in medicine,
• 2-4 years (minimum) as a newly qualified doctor undertaking basic medical training and research ,
• 5 years of ophthalmic specialist training and successful completion of examinations set by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

To see an eye specialist at Wollongong Eye Specialists Centre, all you need to do is call 02 4227 6388 and make an appointment. Please remember that you will require a referral from your Optometrist or General Practitioner. You or your referrer may send this referral to us prior to the day of your appointment by:

Email: reception@wescentre.com.au
Postal: PO Box 5488, Wollongong NSW 2520
Fax to: 02 4227 6399

The time of your examination will depend on the condition of your eye and the treatment you are seeking but it would be wise to allow at least 90 minutes for your appointment.

You do not need a referral for laser vision correction.

For other procedures and care it is advised you bring a valid referral dated the same day or prior to your appointment with us so you can claim part of the cost of the consultation and Medicare claimable items/tests completed on the day.

We do not require a referral to see you however you do need a valid referral to claim money back from Medicare.

Please note fees are only partially covered by Medicare and some tests are not claimable or covered by Medicare.

• A referral letter from your GP or Optometrist. In order to receive a rebate from Medicare you must bring a current referral. Referrals usually last for 12 months if from a GP /Optometrist or 3 months if from a Specialist Doctor
• Your current glasses (even if you don’t feel they are beneficial)
• Medicare card, Pension Card (if you have one) or DVA card (if you have one)
• Details of any medications you take either prescription or over the counter
• Details of any previous eye conditions or eye operations you may have had
• Sunglasses, as you will be sensitive to light after dilating eye drops have been used

There is no need to arrive earlier that your admission time. We allow time for the pre-admissions process when we set your time, and your examination will go ahead as soon as the admissions process is complete. Arriving early will not bring forward your procedure time. Occasionally, we are running behind as some patient needed more tests/time due to some extra findings and also due to certain urgent patients needed to be seen on the day.

Typically, two to three hours from the time of your admission.

You do not need anyone to stay with you, but you are welcome to have someone keep you company. This could be a family member, friend, carer or substitute decision maker.

It will depend on the type of tests you have had. If you have been administered eye drops that dilate your pupils you will not be able to drive home and will need to seek alternative arrangements.

If you are having sedation for any surgical procedure done at VSPH, you will also need a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 24 hours after you are discharged.  Our nursing staff will go through the written instructions with this person for your wellbeing when you go home. This includes advice about sleep, watching TV or reading, personal care habits like showering, pain relief, and when you can resume normal activities.

Your doctor/trained clinical staff will usually see you before you are discharged and again the next day at your post-op appointment if required.

If you are having a laser vision correction procedure it is unlikely you will need to fast before your procedure unless your doctor advises you to do this in your admission information.

Other ophthalmic procedures may require you to fast before your procedure. You will receive these instructions from the hospital you have decided to book for your procedure at the same time as you receive your admission instructions.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and appropriate footwear. Do not wear thongs/flip flops, high heels, or slip on shoes.

Makeup should be removed prior to your arrival. The eyes and eye area needs to be clean and make up free. Preferably avoid any eye makeup at least 3-4 days before your surgical procedure.

No. Most procedures done at Victoria Street Private Hospital are day procedures, and you will not stay overnight.

If you wear contact lenses please bring your contact lens case and some solution to put them in as you will need to remove them for the exam and bring your glasses.

For patients who are coming for cataracts or refractive surgery please do not wear contact lenses for at least a week prior to the appointment

If you experience sudden increase in floaters or flashes or these symptoms increase quite suddenly, then you should consult our eye specialist to ensure that you do not have a serious eye problem.

Pull your lower lid down to make a pocket for the drop and then squeeze the bottle gently to release the required number of drops ensuring that the bottle does not touch your lower lid or eye. Close your eyes without squeezing them and keep them closed for around 30 seconds to allow the medication to stay in contact with the eye for longer. Lightly blot any excess medication away with a clean tissue while your eyes are shut.

Yes, Wollongong Eye Specialists do participate in Medicare. Our receptionists will endeavour to inform you of any costs associated with any procedure you might be required to undertake at the time of booking your appointment.

Our friendly receptionists will advise you of the consultation fee when booking an appointment. We can email or mail you our registration forms to complete prior to your visit, which we are able to take over the phone.

All consultation and test fees are payable on the day, and we offer Medicare online claiming on your behalf. Medicare gives rebates on most items, which we can forward electronically if the patient has given Medicare a bank account and BSB to link to their Medicare Card.

We accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards
• Eftpos

Private Health Insurance can only be used on services performed in a hospital setting.

Yes, you can find a copy of a form on our website by clicking here. You may print a copy of this form, complete it and bring it with you. Alternatively, you can fill the form when you arrive to see your eye specialist.

Wollongong

Visitor parking is available within the building car park, access via Keira Lane.

Nowra

There is a small carpark located on the premises with additional unrestricted parking in the surrounding streets.

Warilla

There is ample on-site parking for patients and free street parking located along William Avenue.

Wollongong

Location: Level 2A, 2 Victoria Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

The new rooms are located in Victoria Street near the Wollongong Mall. Parking is available including onsite parking (limited), 2 hours off street parking and in Wollongong Mall.

Nowra

Location: 45 Bridge Road, Nowra NSW 2541

The surgery is located near the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on the corner of Bridge Road and Hyam Street.

Warilla

Location: 208 Shellharbour Road, Warilla NSW 2528

The practice is located along Shellharbour Road. There is a public bus stop located out the front of the practice.