Ophthalmic Practice in Newcastle
Ophthalmic Practice in Newcastle
Newcastle Eye Centre is a trusted, leading ophthalmic practice serving Newcastle and the Hunter Region for 25+ years.
We are dedicated to serving the specialist eye needs of those in the Newcastle and Greater Hunter region, offering comprehensive ophthalmological services for both acute and chronic eye and eyelid conditions.
Your vision is one of your greatest assets. We diagnose and manage the five conditions that contribute to 80% of avoidable blindness and vision loss in Australia.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Cataracts
Diabetic Retinopathy
Glaucoma
Oculoplastic Surgery
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Lens Replacement Surgery
Refractive Error
Referral Information
Newcastle Eye Centre accepts referrals from GPs, optometrists and medical specialists.
GP & Optometrist Referrals: For Medicare-rebatable consultations or procedures, patients generally require a valid referral from a GP, optometrist or relevant specialist.
Tertiary Specialist Referrals: If you are already under the care of another ophthalmologist or related specialist, a referral from that specialist may be required.
Non-Medicare Consultations & Procedures: For non-Medicare-rebatable consultations or procedures, patients may be able to attend without a referral. Please contact the clinic to confirm what is required for your appointment.
Our Locations
Our ophthalmic practice is conveniently located in the heart of Newcastle and has satellite clinics in Maitland, Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace, ensuring comprehensive care is available at a location close to you.
Our practices are easily accessible to accomodate low mobility and offer convenient parking.
Location:
47 Bolton St,
Newcastle NSW 2300
(Parking available across the road)
Location:
Level 2, Maitland Private Hospital Medical Centre
173 Chisholm Rd,
Ashtonfield NSW 2323
(On-site parking available in hospital precinct)
Location:
Medical Specialists Rooms
Shop 33, Stockton Street,
Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Location:
The Terrace Centre Shop 6a
2 The Close,
Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
Our Specialisation
Our ophthalmic surgeons are subspecialists with advanced training and extensive experience in their respective fields.
Cataract & Presbyopia
Our practice offers diagnostics and treatment of Cataract and Presbyopia.
Emergency and Trauma
We offer emergency care for serious eye conditions, with same-day priority appointments available for sudden vision loss.
Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye)
We diagnose and treat Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye), a common eye growth that can cause discomfort or affect vision.
Oculoplastics & Eyelid Surgery
Our ophthalmic surgeons are highly experienced in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eye and eyelid area.
Dry Eye
Newcastle Eye Centre provides specialist diagnostics and treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve that links the retina to the brain.
Macular Disease & AMD
NEC is a leading centre in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Diabetic Eye Disease
Our practice is well-equipped to manage patients with diabetic eye disease.
Neuro-ophthalmology
NEC specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the eye and the brain. This includes disorders of the optic nerve.
What Sets Our Practice Apart
25+ years of experience in ophthalmology
State-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment modalities
On-site procedure room equipped for eyelid surgery & minor eye procedures.
We offer treatment for both insured and uninsured patients
Convenient parking & easy accessibility
New Eye Vision
A more affordable cataract surgery option without the long wait times.
Many patients experience frustration with the long wait times for cataract surgery in the public healthcare system. While private hospital options have always been available, the costs for uninsured patients can be prohibitive.
New Eye Vision by Newcastle Eye Centre has collaborated with leading medical supply companies, artificial lens manufacturers and Lingard Private Hospital to offer a more affordable alternative. This allows our ophthalmologists to perform cataract surgery in a state-of-the-art facility while passing on significant cost savings to patients.
If you are currently on the public waiting list and would like to explore the option of having your surgery with New Eye Vision, please contact us for further information.
Hospitals We Work With
For patients with private health insurance, our eye surgeons operate at both Lingard and Maitland Private Hospitals.
We offer eye surgery for non-insured patients at John Hunter Hospital for those with eye emergencies or at Kurri Kurri District Hospital for those seeking elective eye surgery.
Non-insured patients may choose to go on a public waiting list or alternatively utilise New Eye Vision to expediate their surgery without going on a waiting list.
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John Hunter Hospital
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Lingard Private Hospital
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Maitland Private Hospital
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Kurri Kurri District Hospital
Meet Our Specialists
Newcastle Eye Centre has been in operation for over 25 years. Our highly experienced ophthalmic surgeons’ sub-specialties include:
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Cataract and Lens Replacement Surgery
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Oculoplastics and Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
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Dry Eye
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Age-related Macular Degeneration
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Diabetic Retinopathy
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Glaucoma
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Presbyopia Treatment
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Pterygium Surgery
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Neuro-Ophthalmology
Dr Eugene Hollenbach
Ophthalmic Surgeon
Dr Alastair Gittos
Ophthalmic Surgeon
Information for Optometrists
We are committed to delivering exceptional ophthalmic care by leveraging the latest surgical innovations and advanced technology.
Our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment modalities allows Newcastle Eye Centre to offer our patients specialised diagnostic testing and treatments.
Our team continually refines our expertise through ongoing education and active participation in industry-leading conferences, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care informed by the most current advancements in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my out-of-pocket expenses?
The initial consultation fee is $220 (concession $200). Please enquire at reception as to the current Medicare rebate. Further tests, biopsies or procedures performed on the day may incur a further charge. Subsequent consultations incur a charge of $120 ($100 concession).
Click here for more information about our consultation fees, or contact our reception team if you have further questions.
Can I claim through Medicare?
A Medicare rebate applies for all patients who are eligible and have a current referral. Referrals can be obtained from either your GP or Optometrist.
Will my examination hurt?
You can rest assured that your examination will be pain free. We use anaesthetic eye drops when we do pressure testing so you are comfortable throughout your eye examination.
How long will my appointment take?
Appointment time will vary but we recommend you allow 2 – 3 hours for your first appointment, as after your initial consultation we may commence different tests.
Can I drive home after my appointment?
Usually not. We use special drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils to allow your doctor to examine you. It can take a few hours for your eyesight to feel normal.
What additional tests will I be having at my initial appointment?
If you are experiencing any visual loss it’s likely that you’ll require additional diagnostic testing either at the time of your first appointment or at a later date.
