Vision Centre

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I park my car?

The Southport practice has secure, underground carparking available for all patients free of charge.  You will need to bring your carpark ticket to the reception desk for our friendly staff to validate with a stamp. Whilst our underground car park is easy to navigate, if you are not confident leaving the underground parking, a friendly parking attendant can assist you by driving your car out to the ground level for you.

The Mermaid Beach practice has carparking available at the rear of the premises.

Will there be a cost for my visit?

A consultation fee is charged, part of which is claimable from Medicare.

Payment is expected on the day of consultation.

We are happy to provide written quotation for any procedure if required.

Costs are normally claimable from Medicare. Costs are variable, depending on the situation and the number of consultations and examinations a patient requires.

In cases of genuine financial need, by prior arrangement, we will bulk bill - we do not turn patients away. If you have any difficulty with fees please discuss with your Doctor. We are here to help you and will always look after you.

How long will my appointment take?

First visits usually take a little longer due to the procedures and diagnostic tests involved. The time spent at Vision Centre includes not only the consultation processs but also involves front desk administration, then an interview with the Doctor's assistant before seeing the Doctor. Because your visit is a process, please don't expect to see the Doctor immediately you arrive, or get here early - as you can see from the above there are number of things which need to be done prior to your seeing the Doctor.

On your first visit the doctor will usually want your eyes to be dilated.  This will mean that eye drops are instilled and you will have to wait around 20-30 minutes before your eyes are dilated, ready for the the Doctor's examination of the retina of your eye. The eye drops also facilitate measuring the pressure of the eye. You may require additional test such as visual field or OCT.

Expect to be at the Vision Centre Gold Coast for around 1-2 hours. 

It is also advisable for you to bring a driver with you for this appointment as you may find that your eyes are blurry following the dilation drops; and we actively encourage patients to bring a friend or family member on their visit.

If you are a non English speaking individual we suggest that you bring an interpreter along with you. Our Doctors are capable in French, Spanish, and Afrikaans.

Is there wheelchair access?

The Southport practice has a wheelchair ramp for street access to the building and disabled parking available next to lifts from all levels of the carpark.

The Mermaid Beach practice has a wheelchair ramp access.

Can I claim from my private health fund for my appointment?

Only services provided as an in-patient in the Vision Centre Day Surgery can be claimed through your health fund.  Consultation and other procedures classified as out-patient services cannot be claimed through your health fund only Medicare.

What do I need to bring to my visit?

A referral is required from your optometrist or general practitioner for your appointment with a ophthalmologist.  The referral enables you to claim a rebate from Medicare on your consultation fee.  Please also remember to bring all glasses that you wear, a list of any prescription medication, eye drops or eye ointment that you are using and any x-rays or scan results that are relevant.