Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is an Ophthalmologist?
A: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is educated, trained and registered to provide total care of the eyes, from performing comprehensive eye examinations to prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing diseases and disorders of the eye, and carrying out the medical and surgical procedures necessary for their treatment.

Q: What is an Optometrist?
A:Optometrists are non-medical practitioners trained to assess the eye and the visual system, sensory and ocular motor disorders and dysfunctions of the eye and the visual system, and diagnose refractive disorders. The optometrist prescribes and dispenses corrective and preventative devices and works hand in hand with other eye care professionals in assuring that patients are referred appropriately for diagnostic and therapeutic needs.

Q: What is an Orthoptist?
A: An Orthoptist specialises in the diagnosis and management of disorders of eye movements and associated vision problems; performs investigative procedures appropriate to disorders of the eye and visual system and assists with the rehabilitation of patients with vision loss.

Q: Who can look after my eyes?
A: Your family doctor is usually the first person to visit if your eyes are causing you problems. If your eyes need further treatment and care, you will be referred to an Ophthalmologist. An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in caring for all aspects of your eyes. An Optometrist assesses vision for glasses or contact lenses. An Orthoptist checks eye movements and may give exercises. An Optical Dispenser/Optician makes your glasses as prescribed.

Q: Why do I need a referral?
A: A referral from a GP, Optometrist or current specialist is required before an initial consultation with an Ophthalmologist in order to receive a Medicare benefit for that consultation.

Q: Can you recommend an ophthalmologist?
A: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists does not provide referrals or recommendations to ophthalmologists. You need to visit your GP for a referral or to discuss your treatment options.

Q: What is Glaucoma?
A: Glaucoma is an eye disease, which is one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia. Glaucoma is fairly common in adults over age 35. Three out of every 100 persons in this age group have vision threatened by this disease. When diagnosed early, blindness from glaucoma is almost always controllable with ongoing treatment. To find out more about Glaucoma, go to the Glaucoma Australia website at www.glaucoma.org.au.

Q: Should I have laser eye surgery?
A: You should discuss all treatment recommendations with your ophthalmologist to address any queries or concerns that you might have. Information is available that relates to types of laser surgery see the RANZCO position statement on Excimer Laser surgery and further information should be available from your ophthalmologist.

Q: What is an iridologist?
A: Iridologists claim to be able to observe and intepret the physical signs in the eye for use in analyzing the tissues of the body. The practice has no basis in science and is considered to be disproved alternative health care.