What we do

Retinopathy screening is part of the overall care for people with diabetes.

We will take a high-resolution photograph of the back of your eye. This test allows us to see changes to your eye well before you notice changes to your vision.

Retinal photography can also be used to screen and monitor for benign choroidal lesions, macular degeneration and Glaucoma.

What to expect

When you come to the Retinal Photography Clinic, we will:

• Ask you about your medical history
• Give you a vision test
• Ask you to look into a piece of equipment that allows us to take measurements of your eye

We then give you special eye drops that dilate your pupil. Your pupils will open wide so that we can see the back of your eye.

We then take a digital photograph of the back of your eye.

After your test

After your pupils have been dilated, your vision will be blurry for several hours.

You should arrange for someone else to drive you home.

You will need to wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.

What to bring

When you come to hospital for your appointment, you need to bring:

• Medicare card
• Health care card/concession card (if applicable)
• Private health insurance details (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes) including herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame (if applicable)
• Your blood glucose meter and log book

Related services

• Diabetes education

  We provide information and education to hospital patients diagnosed with diabetes and their families.

• Diabetes Care Management & Assessment Service (DCAS)

  We support adults in our local community with diabetes and other chronic and complex health conditions.

Referrals

For patients

You need a referral from your GP, specialist or health care provider to access this service.

For health professionals

Our referral form needs to be completed and faxed to Specialist Clinics on 03 9496 2097.

Contact us

Ophthalmology

Head of Unit
Dr Joan Cosgrove

Contact Specialist Clinics:

Phone: 03 9496 2444

1800 134 864 (toll free for regional patients) 

131 450 (free telephone interpreter service).

Email: clinics@austin.org.au

Location

Clinic E, Tobruk Building
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
300 Waterdale Road
Ivanhoe Victoria

View location map

Postal address

Ophthalmology
Austin Hospital
PO Box 5555
Heidelberg VIC 3084
Australia