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About Us

Our History

The Cheltenham Eye Centre was established in the late 70’s by director Professor Noel Alpins. Prof Alpins and his team of comprehensive Ophthalmologists are dedicated to providing excellence in eye care services in the diagnosing, managing and treatment ophthalmic conditions.

Our clinic is fully equipped with state of the art ophthalmic equipment and lasers. Our orthoptic staff are skilled in assisting the doctors in the investigation, counselling and management of the full range of eye conditions.

Our administration team are committed to providing friendly service both over the phone and in person when attending an appointment.

Our comprehensive group of practitioners cover all aspects of general and subspecialty eye conditions including but not limited:

General Ophthalmology
Cataract Surgery
Medical and Surgical Retinal Conditions
Glaucoma
Paediatrics and Strabismus
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Oculo-Plastics
Laser Refractive Surgery
Cornea and Keratoconus

What To Expect On Your Visit

On arrival to your appointment you will be greeted by our friendly and supportive reception staff. If it is your first visit you will be required to fill out a new patient form and you will require a valid referral so that you can claim a Medicare rebate after the completion of your consultation and once your account has been finalised in full.

You will be taken through to see an orthoptist before seeing your eye specialist at every visit. Orthoptists have been university trained to perform tests and scans that will assist the ophthalmologist in their clinical assessment. Your ophthalmologist will see you once the orthoptist has completed the pre-testing required, to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.

Allow approximately 2 hours
You may need eye drops to dilate your pupils. This will make your vision blurry
May require someone to drive you home
NOTE: If your appointment is for a lens power test please ensure you don’t wear contact lens 5 days (for soft) and 2-3 weeks (for hard) contact lens before consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need a referral?

In order to claim a Medicare rebate after your consultation, you will need a valid referral. Most referrals from GP and optometrists are only valid 12 months, and 3 months for specialist referrals. When your initial referral has expired, you will need to bring a new referral in order to claim the Medicare rebate for ongoing consultations.

Will my eyes be dilated?/Driving home

You may need dilating eye drops. This is for your doctor to see inside your eyes. It can take a few hours before vision returns to normal, depending on type of drops and how your eyes react. Sunglasses will help with glare once you leave your appointment. Your near vision (reading vision) will become blurry after dilation and your eyes will be sensitive to glare and sunlight. It is advisable that you bring someone to drive you home after your appointment, or that you wait until your eyes return back to normal vision before driving.

Fees and charges?

The Cheltenham Eye Centre is a private clinic and we do not Bulk Bill patients, including pensioners and health care card holders. All accounts are to be settled on the day of your consultation. We offer reduced fees to pension card holders and patients with an eligible referral and Medicare card are entitled to a Medicare rebate after each consultation. Our receptionists will submit your claim to Medicare using the HIC online function on receipt of your payment.

How long will my appointment take?

Although we endeavour to keep waiting times to a minimum, your appointment at The Cheltenham Eye Centre will take up to 2 hours. This includes seeing an orthoptist, waiting for your eyes to be dilated (which can take upto 30 minutes), having additional diagnostic tests and seeing your specialists. There are occasions when waiting times are longer due to emergency patients that are referred to us on the day. We appreciate your patience and understanding during your appointment, and if you are unable to wait for the duration of the appointment please advise us of this so that we can reschedule your appointment to a different day.

Do I need to make an appointment?

If you require an appointment with one of our specialists, send your referral -> triage-> team member will contact you. Consultations are by appointment only.

Is there onsite parking available?

Behind our Clinic we have limited onsite parking, and it can be a tight fit to get in and out of, however Jellicoe Street opposite the clinic, has 2-hour parking or alternatively we are located roughly 200metres from Westfield Southland Shopping Centre and approximately 650metres from Cheltenham Train Station.

What to bring to the app?

- Medicare card/private health insurance/pension/DVA
- Info on your previous eye history and general health
- List of meds/eye drops
- Glasses