Arranging an appointment
Choose a practice from the practice locations section and contact the clinic directly. Ask your GP, optometrist or treating specialist about a referral. A valid referral is generally needed to receive a Medicare rebate for a specialist consultation; the clinic can advise on your circumstances.
What to bring
- Your referral, if it has not already been sent to the clinic.
- Your current glasses and sunglasses.
- A list of your medicines, including eye drops, and any allergies.
- Relevant eye reports, scans or visual field results, if available.
- Your Medicare card and any relevant concession, DVA or health insurance details.
- A list of questions or concerns you would like to discuss.
What to expect
Depending on the reason for your visit, you may have preliminary vision and eye pressure checks, imaging or visual field testing before seeing Dr Zhang. She will review your symptoms and results, examine your eyes and discuss the findings and recommended next steps.
Dilating drops and getting home
Drops may be used to enlarge your pupils so that the back of the eye can be examined. They can temporarily blur vision and increase sensitivity to light. Plan for someone to drive you or arrange another way home if dilation is expected. Do not drive while your vision is affected.
Questions you may wish to ask
- What is causing the change in my vision?
- What are my options, including monitoring where appropriate?
- What are the likely benefits and risks for my eyes?
- How might treatment affect my daily activities?
- What follow-up will I need, and when should I seek help sooner?
Common questions
Can I have my consultation in Mandarin?
Dr Zhang speaks English and Mandarin. Let the clinic know your preferred language when arranging your appointment. If you need an interpreter for another language, ask about arrangements in advance.
How long will the appointment take?
The time needed depends on the examination and tests. Ask your clinic how much time to allow, particularly for a first appointment.
What will the appointment cost?
Fees, testing charges and Medicare rebates depend on the clinic and the services provided. Ask reception about expected out-of-pocket costs before your visit. If surgery is recommended, ask for information about the separate surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital charges that may apply.
Can I bring a support person?
Ask the clinic about bringing a family member, carer or other support person. Let reception know about mobility, hearing, communication or other accessibility needs before your visit.
Urgent eye symptoms
Sudden loss of vision, a painful red eye with reduced vision, a serious eye injury, or new flashes or floaters with a shadow or curtain across vision need urgent assessment. New flashes or a sudden increase in floaters also need prompt assessment, even without a curtain.
Contact an eye care service urgently. If prompt assessment is unavailable, attend an emergency department. For a medical emergency requiring an ambulance, call 000. Do not wait for a reply to an online enquiry.