FAQ’S

  • What is an eye examination?

    Most importantly, we want to know if your eyes are healthy. We have the latest equipment to assess your eye health. Many eye diseases have no symptoms at all until quite advanced, so it is vital that eye health is assessed fully. We also need to know if your eyes are focussing properly. If they aren’t we can prescribe glasses, contact lenses or exercises for you.

  • How can I keep my eyes healthy?

    In Australia with our harsh sun, it is wise to wear sunglasses and a hat. Direct, excessive exposure to the sun increases the risk of cataracts, macula degeneration and pterygia. Healthy, nutritious food is also most important to keep our eyes as healthy as possible. The eye is beautiful, intricate and fragile. In many ways it reflects our general health. You have a much better chance of healthy eyes if you keep yourself as healthy as you can.

  • What is macula degeneration?

    The retina is the light sensitive tissue at the back of eye and the macula is the central part of the retina. The macula is responsible for your central vision. We assess the macula with both observation with special instruments and these days with a wonderful machine called an OCT which shows us a cross section of the macula.

  • What is glaucoma?

    This is damage to the optic nerve and initially can weaken your peripheral vision. Often, glaucoma is a result from increasing internal eye pressure. We can test for glaucoma by measuring your eye pressure, assessing your optic nerves and measuring your peripheral vision. Early detection of glaucoma is vital.

  • What are cataracts?

    The natural lens of the eye is located just behind the pupil. As we age, the lens becomes cloudy. This initially can effect your glasses prescription but ultimately glasses will not work well enough and the cataract will need to be removed. We can assess the presence of cataracts and whether surgery is warranted.

  • Are contact lenses just for cosmetic reasons?

    Sometimes that is the case but contact lenses can offer huge practical advantages for different prescriptions. Some conditions (e.g. keratoconus or corneal grafts) will achieve much better vision with contact lenses than glasses. In extreme cases, patients can be legally blind even with spectacles but see beautifully with contact lenses.

  • If I need glasses, can I wear contact lenses instead?

    Most prescription can be fitted with contact lenses. They can be a fantastic alternative to spectacles. It is fair to say some prescriptions will work better with contact lenses than others. Some prescriptions will see better with contacts compared to glasses and vice versa. If you wear contact lenses, you still need glasses as a backup for those occasions when contacts are not suitable.

  • What if I need spectacles?

    We offer a large variety of fashionable and high quality frames. Our practice has qualified optical dispensers to help you choose the best frame for you. Further, our practice utilises several different lens laboratories and our optical dispensers will select the optimal lens for your prescription.

  • What if my eyes are found to be compromised in health?

    Certain conditions can be treated by us as optometrists and other diseases may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist. We can provide this referral and refer you to the most appropriate ophthalmologist for the condition.

  • How often should I get my eyes tested?

    If you are under 60, have good health and no family history of eye disease you should have an eye exam every 2 years. You may need an annual exam if you don’t meet the previous criterion. We would be delighted to see you at this practice for an eye examination and dispense you the most suitable treatment if you need that. At this practice we pride ourselves on being professional, friendly, caring and interested in the best management of your vision for you and your lifestyle.