How to get an ophthalmologist referral?
Referral types
Ophthalmologist referral
From $39
up to 8 mins consultPathology referral
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Up to 8 mins consult
Radiology referral
Consult an online GP in 15 minutes for X-ray or radiology referrals. If approved, get the Doctor’s referral straight to your phone. Available 24/7.
From $39
up to 8 mins consultHow to book a consultation for ophthalmologist referral
1. Select consultation type
Choose the type of consultation and fill in the details.
2. Telehealth consult
Speak to an AHPRA-accredited GP in 15 minutes.
3. Receive instantly
If approved, get your ophthalmologist referral on phone within minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist in Australia?
- A referral from a doctor is essential for seeing an ophthalmologist. It ensures they share important health information and receive updates on your tests and results. Without a referral, Medicare and private health insurance won’t cover your costs. While some private opthalmologists accept self-referred patients, a referral from a GP or optometrist is usually required, particularly if claiming Medicare rebates: The doctor first assesses your symptoms to determine if an ophthalmologist is necessary or if an optometrist or orthoptist can manage your condition.
- An ophthalmologist referral ensures the ophthalmologist has key details about your eye health, enabling a more focused and effective examination.
- In Australia, a valid referral is required to claim Medicare rebates, helping reduce your out-of-pocket costs for ophthalmology services.
What is an ophthalmology consultation?
Ophthalmology consultation requests are frequently made for expert evaluation, advice, or treatment options. They play a crucial role in detecting and managing vision-threatening conditions early, helping to preserve eye health and prevent serious complications. Request an ophthalmologist referral from an online GP in Australia without leaving your home. The telehealth consultations are available 24/7 and within 15 minutes. If approved, your ophthalmologist referral will be delivered within minutes to your phone.
Are telehealth specialist referral services available after-hours?
Yes, telehealth services with online doctors for specialist referrals, general consultations, scripts and more are available 24 hours a day with Hola, providing you with access to healthcare whenever you need it. Whether it’s late at night, on weekends, or during public holidays, you can easily consult with an after-hours doctor for professional medical advice, online prescriptions, specialist referrals, blood test referrals, radiology referrals or medical certificates. This convenient service ensures that you never have to wait or delay seeking medical attention, no matter where you are in Australia.
How long do I have to wait for the GP consultation for an ophthalmologist referral?
Typically, the waiting time for a doctor consultation at Hola is within 15 minutes. Get connected with an AHPRA-registered GP anytime and from anywhere, same day and in minutes.
What is an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors with advanced specialist training in diagnosing and treating both medical and surgical management of eye conditions. They are also known as eye doctors or eye surgeons. Ophthalmologists can perform eye surgeries, prescribe medications for eye conditions, and provide corrective lenses, including glasses and contact lenses.
In Australia, if you have an eye condition or vision problem, a doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation. A referral from a GP or optometrist is required before seeing an ophthalmologist in Australia. In some cases, telehealth services can provide referrals, making access to specialist care more convenient.
Ophthalmologist referrals for eye health.
At Hola Health, we make it easy to connect with Australian-registered doctors who can assess your eye health concerns and provide a referral to an ophthalmologist if needed. Whether it’s for a routine check-up or a more urgent issue, our telehealth services ensure you get timely medical attention. No waiting rooms, no long wait times. Just a few clicks, and you’re on your way to a professional eye examination.
So don’t wait for your eye health to worsen. Book an online consultation with our general practitioners today and get that ophthalmologist referral you need—quickly, easily, and when you need it most.
Can an online GP give specialist referrals?
Yes, an online GP in Australia can provide specialist referrals, including for ophthalmologists, if your condition requires further evaluation. During a telehealth consultation, the GP will assess your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and determine if a referral to a specialist is appropriate. However, some conditions require an in-person examination before a referral can be issued. Having a referral also ensures that the specialist has the necessary background on your condition, allowing for a more tailored and efficient consultation.
With Hola Health, you can connect with an Australian-registered GP online within minutes and receive a referral conveniently—without the need for an in-person visit. This saves time and makes accessing specialist care easier, no matter where you are in Australia.
Please note: For eye issues that require immediate medical attention, please go directly to the emergency department. While our doctors are fully qualified, telehealth consultations have limitations. If you’re experiencing sudden vision loss, significant eye injuries like retinal detachment, or foreign objects in your eye, seek emergency care immediately.
Why do you get referred to an ophthalmologist? Common conditions:
Ophthalmologists specialise in treating severe and complex eye issues. Some common conditions that may require an ophthalmologist referral include:
- Acute angle closure glaucoma: A sight-threatening emergency due to a sudden rise in intraocular pressure, It requires urgent medical intervention, including medications and possible lase or surgical treatment by an ophthalmologist.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Common among older adults, AMD affects the retina and deteriorates central vision. While there is no cure for dry AMD, lifestyle changes and supplements may slow progression and is monitored by ophthlamologists. Wet AMD requires treatment with injections administered by an ophthalmologist.
- Cranial nerve palsy: This affects the nerves that control eye muscles, causing issues like double vision or drooping eyelids. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and ophthalmologists may observe, prescribe prism glasses, or perform surgery if required.
- Retinal vein occlusion: A blockage in the retina’s veins, requiring interventions like laser therapy or injections to reduce swelling and improve vision.
- Uveitis: Inflammation in the uvea of the eye that causes redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Ophthalmologists play a key role in managing uveitis with steroid treatments and monitoring for complications.
- Pterygium: A benign growth on the surface of the eye, which may affect vision if it grows over the cornea. Surgery by an ophthalmologist may be needed if the growth becomes problematic.
- Eye floaters: While floaters may seem harmless, they can signal a retinal tear, particularly when accompanied by flashes of light. Ophthalmologists are essential in diagnosing whether floaters are a sign of something more serious and may perform surgery (in rare cases) if needed.
A doctor or optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment if you have:
- Partial or complete vision loss
- Eye injuries, pain, or inflammation
- Eye conditions like glaucoma
- Health issues that affect your eyes, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Vision problems needing specialist care
Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist
For some people, optometry and ophthalmology may seem the same since both are related to eye health, but they actually serve different roles. This is one of the main reasons why it’s important to consult with a GP before seeing an eye doctor. Your GP can help you determine whether you need to see an optometrist or if an ophthalmologist referral is necessary.
Optometrists are typically your first point of contact for eye care. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe contact lenses, and manage a variety of eye health needs. Referrals are not necessary to see an optometrist, especially for routine eye exams. Optometrists do not perform surgery and have a limitation on prescribing medications. They can assist with:
- Sudden onset of visual disturbances
- Dry eyes
- Conditions affecting your visual field, such as myopia or hyperopia
- Paediatric eye conditions
Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are specialist eye doctors and surgeons. They manage more complex conditions that require surgical intervention, such as cataract surgery, and treat diseases affecting the retina, cornea, and optic nerve. You’ll likely need an ophthalmologist referral if you experience signs of serious eye issues, such as
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Ophthalmic nerve damage
- Vitreous haemorrhage
- Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
- Cellulitis
- Severe corneal diseases
In summary, optometrists are ideal for general eye health and routine care, while ophthalmologists handle more complex, often surgical, eye concerns.
Medically reviewed by Dr.Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.
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