We want your visit to Newcastle Eye Centre to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
This page contains important information for new patients about what to expect at your appointment, what to bring and our consultation fees. We will endeavour to send you a Welcome Pack via email or post.
Key Information:
Although time may vary, please allow 2-3 hours for your first appointment
Dilating drops can blur vision, so bring sunglasses and arrange a safe way home.
Payment is required on the day of consultation. We do not give accounts at your initial visit.
What to Expect at your Appointment
Here at the Newcastle Eye Centre we strive to provide service with excellence whilst maintaining a happy and relaxed atmosphere. All our patients are important to us, therefore, in order for us to help you we will need your patience and understanding. If this is your first visit, there will be a number of tests that may be carried out.
Dialating Drops:
Drops may be placed in your eyes that will dilate the pupils in order for the Doctor to view the back of the eyes. Once the drops are administered your vision may be blurred for a few hours which will make it difficult to drive.
We strongly recommend that you are accompanied by someone who will be able to take you home safely.
If this is not possible, you should try and make alternative transport arrangements. We also advise you bring along some sunglasses to make you more comfortable after the drops to reduce the increased glare.
What to Bring
Referral Letter:
Please remember to bring your referral letter if you have had one provided by your doctor/specialist or optometrist. This is important for the Doctor to be informed of your eye requirements. It also allows you to claim back the appropriate rebate from Medicare.
New Patient Questionnaire:
In your Welcome Pack, you will receive a questionnaire to complete prior to your visit to ensure we have your relevant information. DO NOT FORGET to bring this with you on your visit.
Eye Drops/Medication:
Please bring along a list of eye drops and any other medications that you are currently using. You may note these on the back of the questionnaire if you wish.
Spectacles:
Please bring all your current glasses with you, even if your consultation is not necessarily about your vision. This practice does not write scripts for glasses. Whilst we can check whether you need glasses, they are provided by your Optometrist.
Consultation Fees
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).
Please bring your Medicare, DVA and Pension Card as well as your Health Fund details.
Please note:
A $140 fee is charged each time you are required to bring in a new referral. Fees are subject to change.
GP and optometrist referrals allow for visits up to 12 months (they are valid for 12 months). Referrals from specialists allow for visits up to 3 months only (they are valid for 3 months).
Further Information About Fees:
- We appreciate payment on the day of consultation and accept cash, cheques, credit card (Mastercard and Visa) and EFTPOS.
- We do not give accounts at your initial visit.
- We do not routinely Bulk Bill as the Medicare Rebate does not come close to covering the cost of providing modern eye care. Medicare rebates can be deposited into your bank account if you have given Medicare your bank details.
- If you are unable to meet our fee expectations, please contact our surgery prior to your appointment to discuss payment options. You are encouraged to register with the Medicare Safety Net Scheme to ensure you obtain the maximum benefit.
We look forward to your visit and if you have any enquiries please contact reception:
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