Geelong Eye HealthThe short answer
Start with an optometrist for routine eye tests, changes in vision, glasses, contact lenses and many common eye concerns. An optometrist can examine your eyes, manage many problems and refer you if specialist medical or surgical care is needed.
An ophthalmologist is a specialist medical eye doctor and eye surgeon. You may need one for surgery or for an eye condition that requires specialist medical treatment.
A common first stop
See an optometrist
- Routine eye and vision examinations
- Blurred or changing vision
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Dry, gritty, watery or irritated eyes
- Screening and monitoring for eye-health problems
Specialist medical care
See an ophthalmologist
- Eye surgery, including cataract surgery
- Conditions needing specialist medical treatment
- Complex or serious eye disease
- Care following a referral from an optometrist or GP
What does an optometrist do?
An optometrist is a university-trained eye-health professional. Optometrists examine vision and eye health, prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, and can detect and manage a range of eye conditions within their scope of practice.
For many people, an optometrist is the most practical first appointment because one examination can assess both how clearly you see and whether there are signs that need monitoring, treatment or referral.
What does an ophthalmologist do?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has completed additional specialist training in eye disease and surgery. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye conditions, prescribe medicines and perform procedures such as cataract, glaucoma and retinal surgery.
You may be referred to an ophthalmologist when a condition needs specialist investigation, medical management or surgery. A current referral is generally needed if you want to receive a Medicare specialist rebate.
Who should you see first?
If you need a routine check, a new prescription or help understanding ongoing symptoms, an optometrist is often a sensible first stop. You do not need to diagnose the problem yourself before booking.
If you already have an ophthalmologist managing a diagnosed condition, follow the care plan they have given you. If your GP or optometrist has referred you, book with the ophthalmologist named or recommended in that referral.
Still unsure?
Call the clinic and explain what has changed. We can tell you whether a routine appointment is an appropriate starting point or whether you should seek more urgent or specialist care.
How optometrists and ophthalmologists work together
The two professions are not competing versions of the same service. They often form different parts of one care pathway. An optometrist may detect or monitor a problem, arrange a referral and share relevant examination findings. An ophthalmologist can then provide the specialist medical or surgical care required.
After specialist treatment, your ophthalmologist, optometrist and GP may continue to share aspects of your care. Who monitors what depends on the condition and the plan agreed for you.
When eye care is urgent
Do not wait for a routine appointment if you develop sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a chemical injury, major eye trauma or another sudden and marked change. Go immediately to the nearest emergency department or call 000 for an ambulance. For other urgent eye concerns during clinic hours, review our emergency eye-care guidance or call the clinic.
Looking for an optometrist in Geelong West?
Geelong Eye Health provides unhurried eye and vision examinations at 219 Pakington Street. If specialist care is needed, we can explain why and help arrange the appropriate referral.
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