Frequently Asked Questions

These are answers to some questions commonly asked by patients attending Eye Surgery Associates.

Do I need a referral?
Yes. You will need a current referral from your doctor or optometrist for each visit to Eye Surgery Associates. Most referrals are in effect for a period of 12 months from date of issue so please check this before your appointment. This is important for you because it will enable you to claim the maximum rebate from Medicare.
A Patient Referral form (PDF format, 28kb) is available for your referrer's convenience.
How do I make an appointment?
We request that you make an appointment at any of our three sites by telephoning any one of our practice locations. We ask that you do so by telephone (and not by email for example) because of the high demand for appointments and the options for seeing our Doctors on different dates, at different times, at different sites. If you know which Doctor you are to see please be sure to advise this when you make your call and to tell us which location is most convenient for you.
It is helpful for us to know the reason for your appointment particularly if it is urgent in nature to help us ensure that the appropriate staff and equipment are available. Our staff are well trained to assess the priority in allocation appointments and will always endeavour to provide you with the most timely appointment given your circumstances.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?
Yes, at your first visit you will be asked to complete a patient information form. Please bring your current Medicare, Veteran Affairs, Pension, Health Care, and private insurance cards with you to complete this form. If it suits you to do so, this form is available online (PDF format, 99kb) which can be printed and partially completed in advance by you or somebody who may be helping you with your visit to ESA.
For each visit, please bring a list of your current medications and the results of any relevant tests (blood tests, X-rays etc). Please do not hesitate to check with us if you are not sure what to bring.
Can I drive after my visit?
Unless you are certain of the nature of your appointment, it is often best not to drive yourself to the appointment as eye drops which dilate the pupils of your eyes are commonly used at each visit. This means you may have to wait 1 to 2 hours before being able to drive after the appointment. If you do intend to drive, please bring a pair of sunglasses with you.
How long will my appointment take?
We recommend that you allow up to 2 hours for your initial appointment, as it may be necessary to dilate your pupils or perform other tests during your visit. We will always endeavour to advise you of the time required for subsequent appointments.
Will I be required to pay for my appointment on the day?
Yes, an account will be issued on the day of your visit and it is expected that all accounts (other than for surgery) will be settled on the day of consultation.
Where possible we are happy to co-operate with health funds to maximise insurance rebates (and minimum "gap payment") for surgical procedures and the payment requirements for surgery will be clearly explained to you or your representative as part of the quotation that we always prepare for you to consider before commitment to the surgery.
Does Eye Surgery Associates accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Mastercard and Visa at this time although we reserve the right to place conditions on our acceptance. We also accept cash and cheques and EFTPOS facilities are available. Note that we participate in Electronic Medicare Claiming as well.
Rebates for consultations and most tests may be claimed from Medicare, provided you have a current referral.
What are your hours?
Appointments are normally offered between the hours of 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday other than gazetted public holidays and on certain days in the Festive season. We are mindful of emergency situations and will take appointments at other times in appropriate circumstances.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
Established patients of Eye Surgery Associates should contact their Ophthalmologist with the emergency numbers they will have been given.
New patients with urgent problems should ask their referring practitioner to contact Eye Surgery Associates directly to arrange emergency treatment with the appropriate Ophthalmologist.
In either case, if you are unable to contact your doctor or practitioner, we suggest that you call the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital on 9929-8666 for urgent medical attention.