PATIENT INFORMATION

Your Visit - What to expect

The consultation with the Western Sydney Eye Doctors will involve two stages –

  1. The Orthoptic Assessment

An Orthoptist is a university-trained allied health professional that specialises in patients with a variety of eye disorders, and the assessment of children’s vision and eye movements.

The orthoptist will perform technical diagnostic tests to aid the Ophthalmologist in the diagnosis and treatment of your eye condition. This may include –

  • A full medical history.
  • Visual Acuity test
  • Eye Movement examination
  • Assessment of binocular vision
  • Measurement of any present squint
  • Colour vision assessment
  • Eye Pressure assessment
  • Assessment of pupils

 

On your first visit and periodically, the Orthoptist will dilate the pupils with some eye drops. Please note that the eye drops will blur your vision for up to 4 hours and you should not drive during this period. You may want to bring a pair of sunglasses to wear after dilation to protect your eyes from glare. Children can go back to school after eye drops however, their near vision will be blurred.

The eye drops take at least 30 minutes to dilate the pupil and after this time there may be some additional tests required. These could include –

  • OCT scan (A scan of the back of your eye)
  • Visual Field Test (to assess your peripheral vision)
  • Fundus Photography (A photograph of the back of your eye)
  • Refraction (glasses test)
  • Anterior segment photography (a photograph of the front of your eye)
  • ‘A’ scan ultrasound (to measure the length of the eye)

These tests are non-invasive.

    1. The Ophthalmologist (eye doctor)

    Once you have had the necessary diagnostic tests, you will be seen by the Doctor. They will use specialist equipment to assess the health of the structures of the eye, including the cornea, lens, iris and anterior chamber. They may need to stain the tear film of the eye with an eye drop or a paper strip to aid his assessment. The doctor will also assess the retina and optic nerve. This assessment will not hurt.

    The Doctor will present findings and a treatment plan to you on the same day if possible.  

    It is important to assess the health of the eye thoroughly to provide the best standard of care to all patients. Unfortunately, this does take time so please allow 2-3 hours for your appointment with the Eye Doctor.

     

    What to bring to the Appointment

    Please ensure that you bring the following items to the first appointment.

    1. Referral letter
    2. Patient Registration form
    3. Current Prescription glasses. Please remember to bring your reading and distance glasses.
    4. A list of all medications
    5. Sunglasses if required.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long will my appointment be?
    		 We ask that you allow 2 to 3 hours for an appointment. Thorough diagnostic tests and dilation drops require time.
    Where is the nearest car park?
    		 There is patient parking available on-site at Western Sydney Eye Doctors. This is free of charge.
    Can I drive after the appointment?

    This depends on whether you have had eye drops or not.
    If you have had dilating drops, your vision will be blurred for up to 4 hours and you must not drive during this period.
    Can my child go back to school after having eye drops?

    Yes. However, you may wish to inform the teacher if they have had eye drops as their vision will be blurred and they will be sensitive to light. They may require sunglasses when outside.