What to bring to your appointment
Please remember to bring the following to your appointment:
- New Patients – Referral letter from your GP, Specialist or Optometrist
- Medicare Card
- Veteran Affairs, Pension Card or Healthcare Card
- Private Health Insurance cards (if applicable)
- List of any current medications you are taking
- List of any questions you may have
- Current glasses or contact lenses (if applicable).
This information will help our team set you up on our administration system so we can organise any necessary appointments, rebates and tests in relation to your diagnosis and treatment.
To receive a Medicate rebate
To claim a rebate through Medicare, a referral from your General Practitioner, Optometrist or Medical Specialist is required. In most cases a referral is valid for 12 months. Most Medical Specialist referrals are only valid for 3 months.
Our friendly reception staff will inform you if a new referral is required for your next appointment.
Note – Private health insurance is for hospital admissions, not for your appointments in the clinic.
What to expect during your appointment
Every patient has individual needs, so your appointment may vary depending on your condition and treatment requirements.
A typical appointment may include:
- Appointment length – Approximately 60–90 minutes
- Medical history discussion – Symptoms, relevant test results and current issues you are experiencing
- Additional eye testing – Your doctor may perform additional eye tests during your appointment
- Eye drops – You will likely have eye drops to dilate (enlarge) your pupils so the doctor can thoroughly examine your eyes
Following dilation drops, your vision may be blurred and sensitive to bright light for approximately 1 hour after your appointment. If you are seeing a retinal specialist, this may last 3–4 hours.
For your safety, we recommend that you do not drive until the drops have worn off. Bringing sunglasses may help reduce glare and improve comfort, and where possible, we recommend arranging for a friend or family member to drive you home.
At the conclusion of your appointment your doctor may discuss with you the test results and the potential next steps in your diagnosis and/or treatment.
Medicare Rebates & Payments
Medicare Rebates – A valid referral from your GP, Optometrist or Medical Specialist is required to receive a Medicare rebate. In most cases, referrals are valid for 12 months, however specialist referrals are generally valid for 3 months. Our reception team will advise if a new referral is needed for your next appointment.
Medicare rebates for consultations and most tests can usually be claimed on the day and are generally deposited into your nominated bank account.
Please note that private health insurance does not cover specialist clinic consultations and is generally used for hospital admissions.
Account Payments – Please pay your account at the conclusion of your appointment. Reduced fees apply for Pension and Healthcare Card holders. We do not bulk bill.
We accept payment by:
- Cash
- EFTPOS
- Mastercard
- Visa.
Please note – Cheques are not accepted.
Privacy Policy
At Hawthorn Eye Clinic, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information and medical records.
We manage your information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles and relevant privacy legislation to ensure your information is handled securely and respectfully.
For more information, please visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-legislation/the-privacy-act
Proud member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.
