FAQ’s

How do I make an Appointment?

Simply telephone us on (02) 4355-5600 – Tuggerah / (02) 4365-9444 – Erina during the hours of 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday or you can request an appointment online using this form.

Do I need a referral

For certain services such as consultations provided by our specialists, the Medicare rebate is dependent on evidence that our service was performed following a referral from another practitioner.

What to bring for your initial consultation?

Here is check list for your initial consultation

• Current referral from your referring practitioner
• Details of any third party practitioner who will receive copies of our correspondence
• Signed consent to collection of personal information form (found on our website)
• Completed patient registration form (found on our website)
• Completed patient history form (found on our website)
• Current distance and reading glasses
• Any relevant correspondence, test results or scan/xrays
• Medicare card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs card (which is applicable)
• Full Pension or Health Care Card
• Private health insurance card with membership number and details.
• Any medication you may need to take during your visit with us. If you are diabetic, you may wish to bring food.
• Sunglasses to help with glare following dilation of pupils

We encourage you to come to your initial consultation with a written list of questions to ensure you don’t forget to ask them when you are seeing the doctor.

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Who can Refer?

For our practice, general practitioners and registered optometrists are regarded as our primary source of referrals with a 12 month referral validity, however, another registered specialist can also refer but will only carry a 3 month validity. Recognised nurse practitioners can also refer and carry a 12 month referral validity.

How long will my visit take?

Patients can expect to be in our practice for a minimum of one hour from their appointment time. This time may be extended past two hours on some occasions.

How Do I Contact in an Emergency After Hours?

Should patients require urgent attention after hours, please contact Gosford district Hospital on (02) 43 202111 where an ophthalmologist is always on call. Patients will be provided after hours contact details following surgery.

How long does a consultation usually take?

A minimum of 1 hour and up to 2 hours on some occasions.

Will patients need dilating drops at a preoperative appointment?

Not if the patient has been seen recently.

How long is a patient unable to drive following cataract surgery?

Usually 7 days, however, your doctor will advise.

How long until a patient is able to wash their hair and face following cataract surgery?

Usually the next day, however, your doctor will advise.

How long after cataract surgery is a patient allowed to fly?

One day.

How long until a patient can travel overseas following cataract surgery?

Two weeks.

Is it normal for preoperative drops to sting?

Yes, Voltaren drops can sting.

Who is it best to contact for spectacle prescriptions?

An Optometrist, not an Ophthalmologist.