We understand that choosing the right eye-care appointment can sometimes be confusing, particularly when symptoms are persistent, unusual or more complex. Below are answers to common questions about appointments, fees, Medicare and the services available at Westmead Eyes.
Which appointment should I book?
For a general vision or eye-health examination, book a Routine Eye Test. This is also the best option if you are unsure which appointment you need.
If you already know that you require a more specific assessment, please select the relevant appointment type, such as Dry Eye Assessment, Binocular Vision Assessment, Concussion Vision Assessment, Urgent Eye Problem, Scleral Lens Consultation or Second Opinion.
Your optometrist will assess your concerns and explain whether any additional or more targeted testing is recommended.
How much does an eye test cost?
A comprehensive eye examination starts from $95.
Depending on your symptoms and clinical findings, additional testing may be recommended. This may include OCT imaging, corneal topography, axial-length measurement, dry-eye assessment or binocular-vision testing. We will explain the reason for any recommended testing and the associated fee before proceeding.
Do you bulk bill eye examinations?
We are a private-billing practice and do not routinely bulk bill.
Eligible optometry consultations may attract a Medicare rebate, which we can process on your behalf. Medicare may not cover the full consultation fee, and some imaging, specialised assessments and additional tests do not attract a Medicare rebate.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to see an optometrist.
Many patients are referred to us by ophthalmologists, GPs, neurologists, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals for further assessment, advanced testing, contact-lens fitting or a second opinion. Please bring any referral letters, reports, scans or previous test results to your appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your current glasses, any contact lenses and solutions you use, a list of current medications, your Medicare card, your private health insurance card, and any relevant referral letters or previous reports.
It can also be helpful to note when your symptoms began and anything that makes them better or worse.
How long does an appointment take?
A routine comprehensive eye examination generally takes approximately 30 minutes.
Specialised consultations, including dry-eye assessments, binocular-vision assessments and complex contact-lens fittings, may take approximately 45–60 minutes or longer depending on the testing required.
Do you examine children?
Yes. We provide eye examinations for children of different ages, including young children who cannot yet read an eye chart.
Depending on the child’s age and concerns, the examination may assess vision in each eye, eye alignment and coordination, focusing, eye movements, eye health, the need for glasses, myopia progression and visual symptoms associated with reading or schoolwork.
Do you manage myopia in children?
Yes. We provide evidence-based myopia-management options intended to reduce the progression of short-sightedness in suitable children.
Options may include axial-length measurement, myopia-control spectacle lenses, myopia-control contact lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and regular monitoring of prescription and eye growth.
What is a binocular vision problem?
Binocular vision refers to how the two eyes work together as a coordinated team.
Problems with focusing, eye alignment or eye movements may be associated with eye strain, headaches, double or unstable vision, difficulty reading, dizziness, motion sensitivity, screen intolerance or symptoms following concussion. These symptoms can have many possible causes, and an assessment helps determine whether a visual factor may be contributing.
Do you assess vision symptoms after concussion?
Yes. We assess people experiencing ongoing visual symptoms following concussion or head injury, including light sensitivity, difficulty reading or using screens, headaches, dizziness, motion sensitivity, blurred or double vision, visual fatigue and brain fog.
Recommendations depend on the individual findings and may include optical correction, tinted lenses, visual rehabilitation, monitoring or communication with other members of the patient’s healthcare team.
Do you assess dizziness, vertigo or motion sensitivity?
Yes. We assess whether a focusing, eye-movement or binocular-vision problem may be contributing to dizziness, vertigo or motion sensitivity.
These symptoms are not always caused by the eyes. Depending on the findings, we may recommend further assessment by a GP, neurologist, vestibular physiotherapist, ENT specialist or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Do you manage keratoconus?
Yes. Keratoconus and irregular corneal conditions are an important focus of our practice.
We provide corneal imaging, monitoring of corneal shape, spectacle and contact-lens assessment, RGP, hybrid and scleral lenses, and management of vision following corneal surgery or grafting. We can also communicate with your ophthalmologist where required.
Do you fit scleral and custom contact lenses?
Yes. We fit custom contact lenses for people who may not achieve satisfactory vision or comfort with conventional glasses or soft contact lenses.
These may be suitable for keratoconus, irregular corneas, corneal grafts, post-surgical corneas, post-LASIK ectasia, significant prescription differences, some cases of ocular-surface disease and difficulty tolerating conventional contact lenses.
Should I stop wearing contact lenses before my appointment?
Contact lenses can temporarily affect the shape and surface of the cornea.
For rigid gas-permeable or scleral-lens assessments, we generally ask patients to leave their lenses out for at least 72 hours before corneal scanning unless advised otherwise. Please contact us before your appointment if you are unsure.
Do you assess and manage dry eye?
Yes. A dry-eye assessment may include examination of the eyelids and ocular surface, tear-film assessment, meibomian-gland imaging, evaluation for meibomian-gland dysfunction or blepharitis, and a personalised management plan.
Treatment recommendations depend on the underlying cause and may include home-based care, lubricants, eyelid treatment, gland expression, prescription treatment or IPL where clinically appropriate.
Do you provide IPL treatment for dry eye?
Yes. We use the Lumenis M22 IPL system as one treatment option for suitable patients with evaporative dry eye or meibomian-gland dysfunction.
An assessment is required first to determine whether IPL is appropriate and to discuss expected outcomes, limitations, contraindications and alternative options. IPL is not required or suitable for every patient with dry eye.
Do you provide second-opinion assessments?
Yes. A second-opinion consultation may be helpful when symptoms are continuing, the cause remains unclear, you would like another review of an existing diagnosis, or your vision remains unsatisfactory despite new glasses or contact lenses.
Please bring previous reports, prescriptions, scans, contact lenses and treatment information where available.
Do you assess urgent eye problems?
Yes. We assess painful or red eyes, eye injuries, foreign bodies, sudden reduction of vision, sudden light sensitivity, new flashes, a dramatic increase in floaters, and a shadow, curtain or veil affecting the vision.
Please telephone the practice when booking an urgent appointment. If you experience sudden vision loss, new flashes with a rapid increase in floaters, or a dark curtain affecting your vision and the practice is closed, seek urgent medical assessment.
Will I need dilating eye drops?
Dilating drops may be recommended when your optometrist needs a more detailed view of the retina and other structures inside the eye.
The drops can temporarily cause blurred near vision and increased sensitivity to light. Bringing sunglasses can be helpful, and you may need to avoid driving until your vision has returned to normal.
Can you send my results to my GP or ophthalmologist?
Yes. With your consent, we can provide relevant reports, results or imaging to your GP, ophthalmologist or another healthcare professional involved in your care.
Where further medical or surgical assessment is required, we can also arrange an appropriate referral.
Can I claim through my private health fund?
Private health insurance extras may contribute towards eligible spectacles or contact lenses, depending on your insurer and level of cover.
Where supported by your health fund, we can process eligible optical claims in practice. Please bring your physical or digital health-fund card when collecting your glasses or contact lenses.
I am still unsure what to book. What should I do?
Book a Routine Eye Test and include a brief description of your main concern in the booking notes.
We will assess your needs and guide you towards any additional testing or specialised appointment that may be appropriate.