What is an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a specialist eye doctor. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors with additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. They are also sometimes called eye surgeons.

In Australia, ophthalmologists need to complete several years of specialist training after they become a doctor. If you have an eye disease or vision problem, your doctor or optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Ophthalmologists can do surgery or prescribe medicines for eye problems. They can also prescribe contact lenses and glasses.

What is eye surgery?

Some types of eye surgery done by ophthalmologists include:

• cataract surgery — where the lens in your eye is replaced
• refractive or laser surgery — reshaping your cornea to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism
• surgery to correct strabismus (squint)
• surgery to remove cancers, such as melanoma, from the eye
• surgery for glaucoma
• repairing damage caused by an eye injury or retinal detachment

When do I see an ophthalmologist?

Your doctor or optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist if you have:

• partial or complete loss of vision
• eye injuries, pain or inflammation
• an eye condition, such as glaucoma
• health conditions that can affect your eyes, including diabetes or high blood pressure
• poor vision that needs specialist care

What should I expect during an appointment with an ophthalmologist?

Your ophthalmologist will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask you about any illnesses in your family. They will ask for details about any medicines you take and any allergies you have.

Your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes and test your vision.

Ophthalmologists often work in teams with other healthcare professionals.

Optometrists, orthoptists and ophthalmologists: What's the difference?

Optometrists are different from ophthalmologists. They can prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. They are also trained in screening for serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma, but they are not doctors.

Optometrists can give advice on visual problems and treat minor eye problems but will refer you to an ophthalmologist for the management of more serious eye conditions.

Like optometrists, orthoptists are not doctors. They specialise in assessing and managing eye movement disorders, such as double vision and strabismus (squints) in children and adults. Their role also includes caring for people with eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, as well as people with low vision.

What questions should I ask an ophthalmologist?

Before you go to your first appointment, note down any questions you have. If you don't understand something during the consultation, ask the specialist to explain it again.

If they are recommending a treatment you could ask:

• What would happen if I don't have this treatment?
• How long will it take to work?
• Are there any side effects?
• Will I need any tests?
• How much will it cost?
• Are there any alternatives?

If they are recommending a surgical procedure you could ask:

• Can you describe the operation?
• Will I need an anaesthetic?
• What are the risks associated with the procedure?
• Where will the procedure be done?
• Do you do many of these procedures?
• Is there anything I should or should not do before the procedure?
• What sort of follow-up care will I need after the operation?

How do I find an ophthalmologist?

You can ask your doctor or optometrist for a recommendation. You can also ask your family or friends for a suggestion. Try the healthdirect's service finder to locate an ophthalmologist in your area.

You can check that your specialist is qualified and registered by using the Ahpra (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) website.

Here are some things you could ask the person making the referral:

• Why do you think I need to see a specialist?
• Why are you suggesting this ophthalmologist
• How much experience do they have in treating my problem?
• Do they work at both public and private hospitals?
• How do I make an appointment?
• Will seeing the ophthalmologist be covered by Medicare?

Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist?

In an emergency, such as an eye injury or sudden loss of vision, go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital immediately, or call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

It is important to get a referral from your doctor (GP) or optometrist to see an ophthalmologist.

The referral letter will let your ophthalmologist know about your health information. After your appointment, the ophthalmologist will tell your GP or optometrist about your visit and the results of any tests.

How much does it cost to see an ophthalmologist?

It can be expensive to see an ophthalmologist. The cost of a seeing an ophthalmologist will depend on the type of care, including:

• whether you receive care in a clinic, or public or private hospital
• if you have private health insurance
• what the ophthalmologist charges

Before you go for the first time, ask the ophthalmologist or their staff about the costs. You can also ask what Medicare will cover.

If you have private health insurance, you can also contact your health fund to check if your policy covers the costs of specialist treatment.

If the costs are too high, you can:

• ask the ophthalmologist or their staff for a reduced rate
• consider another ophthalmologist or health service
• talk to your GP about other treatment options
• ask your GP to refer you to a public hospital clinic

Resources and support

Good vision for life provides advice for eye care, vision problems and eye diseases.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) provides information on eye conditions and what ophthalmologists do.

Read about the Australian Government Medical Costs Finder.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for advice. A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.