Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose IRIS Ophthalmic Surgery?
IRIS Ophthalmic Surgery is a boutique medical practice aiming to provide optimal surgical care. We prefer a personal and individualised approach, tailoring our services to suit your needs wherever possible. When you choose Iris Ophthalmic Surgery, you are choosing reassurance, integrity, comprehensive care and careful decision making.
You will never be subjected to high pressure selling tactics. In the event that we cannot help you, we will strive to refer you to the best person for the job or provide you with a solution to your problems.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
At IRIS Ophthalmic Surgery, we aim to provide a medical consultation within 14 days. In rare circumstances where you feel that an urgent appointment may be necessary, please let us know and we will do our best to assist.
In an emergency, call (03) 9929 8666 or go to the Emergency Department at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital.
Do I need a referral?
It is not mandatory to have a referral to have a medical consultation at IRIS Ophthalmic Surgery.
For laser refractive consultations, a letter from your optometrist listing your glasses script / refraction over the last few years is preferable to ensure that it has been stable prior to surgery.
For consultations, you will need a referral to be eligible for Medicare benefits/rebates. In this instance, you will need to see your General Practitioner (GP) or your Optometrist for a referral prior to seeing us.
What are the consultation fees that I can expect?
Our fees are based on the Australian Medical Association (AMA) List of Medical Services and Fees, and our costs of running a medical practice. The standard consultation fee at IRIS Ophthalmic Surgery is $240.00 for an initial consultation and $135.00 for subsequent consultations.
You may be eligible for Medicare, meaning that some of the fees payable will be covered by Medicare. In general, the Medicare benefit/ rebate is 85% of the Schedule fee (Medicare Benefits Schedule). This amount is $78.05 for an initial consultation and $39.25 for subsequent consultations. These amounts are subject to change as the Medicare Benefits Schedule is periodically updated/ revised by the Australian Government Department of Health.
There are other investigations that may need to be performed to measure aspects of the health of your eye, to accurately diagnose and manage your specific condition. These fees will be in addition to the consult fee and performed only if required, and with your prior consent.
If you proceed to have surgery, a gap fee will be applicable.
At IRIS Ophthalmic Surgery, you will be fully informed of all fees applicable prior to any services being rendered. There are no hidden costs.
Should I drive to the appointment & how long will the appointment take?
Your pupils will need to be dilated with eyedrops which will make your vision blurry for approximately 4 hours. This is to allow for proper visualisation and assessment of the back of the eye. Driving is not recommended when your pupils are enlarged. This dilation process typically takes 30min and is done after your vision test and before your eye examination.
Kindly allow at least 2 hours for your entire consult.
What information should I bring to my medical consultation?
You should bring your distance glasses and near reading glasses, and usual eye drops, with you so that it can be assessed and checked.
Please also bring your Medicare care, Private Health Insurance Card, Workcover or DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) details if applicable. It would be prudent for the medical power of attorney or parent to be present if the patient is unable to provide consent or if the patient is a child, respectively.
What if I do not have private health insurance?
If you do not have private health insurance, it does not mean that you are precluded from receiving care. You may choose to self-fund your treatment at a private hospital (fees apply). Alternatively, we may be able to facilitate your treatment at a public hospital.
Can I choose to be treated in a public hospital?
A/Prof Elaine Chong has admitting and operating rights at Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital and Royal Melbourne Hospital. We may be able to facilitate your treatment at these public hospitals (conditions apply).
Contact us now for an appointment.