Retinology Institute patients can rest assured they will receive the highest level of care during their consultation and treatment. We are here to make your experience worry-free.
Yes, all appointments require a current in-date referral with your eye history, from either your optometrist, general practitioner or specialist.
If you do not have a referral you will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Please be advised that referrals from general practitioners and optometrists last 12 months whereas a specialist referral lasts 3 months. It is the responsibility of the patient to have an up-to-date referral.
All new referrals (including new patients or existing patients who have not been seen by our specialists in over 18 months) will be triaged.
The process begins with the referring practitioner or patient submitting the following information via mail, email, fax or via our referral page:
- Referral
- Clinical imaging (OCTs, Colour Fundus Photos, Angiograms etc.)
- Relevant diagnostic results (MRI reports, pathology reports etc.)
- Relevant Medical and ocular history
Our clinical team and practitioners will assess the information submitted and advise on a suitable appointment time. Our administration team will contact the patient directly to arrange the appointment.
Please allow up to up to 90 minutes for your initial consultation. If further testing or treatment is required your visit may take longer, a staff member will advise you of the expected duration of your appointment once this is determined. Subsequent appointments may take less time.
- A valid referral;
- Current glasses;
- A list of all information about your medical history, significant health problems or previous operations;
- A list of all current medications, including eye drops, injections or tablets;
- Allergies to all medications;
- Details of relevant family history.
Please ensure your new patient forms have been completed and returned before the day of the appointment. You can also complete the online form here.
For your safety and comfort, we suggest not driving to your appointment as your eyes will be dilated with drops to facilitate examination of the retina and other internal structures of the eye. The drops may blur your vision and increase sensitivity to light, therefore we recommend you don’t drive and you bring sunglasses. Your eyes may be more sensitive and blurred for for up to 4 hours.
Limited parking is available at the rear of our facility, however 1 – 2 hour street parking is available. Please note that Burke Rd is a clearway before 9am and after 4pm.
We are conveniently located opposite the Epworth Rehabilitation Hospital (Camberwell), near the corner of Burke and Toorak Road therefore there are plenty of public transport options.
Train: Gardiner on the Glen Waverley line and Camberwell on the Lilydale, Belgrave and Alamein lines are about a 10 minute drive or tram ride from the clinic.
Tram: Tram number 72, stop 54, is right outside the front of the clinic.
The 72 tram runs from Cotham Road, Kew, to Melbourne University connecting train travellers from both the Gardiner and the Camberwell station with Retinology Institute.
For an estimate on initial consultation fees, please call reception on (03) 8823 9000. You will be provided with full financial consent for additional testing and treatments on the day.
Yes, you will be required to pay the total cost of the consultation after your appointment and we will lodge your rebate with Medicare electronically. Pending your bank account details are registered with Medicare, your rebate will appear within 2-3 business days.
Please note we do not accept cash or cheque.
Please note some diagnostics and treatments do not comprise of a Medicare rebate.
No, as this is a private facility patients are responsible for the cost of the consultation and treatments. A reduced rate is available for pension card holders only.
Standard consultation fees may apply for cancellations and changes within 24 hours of scheduled appointments, and for failing to attend your appointment.
For any queries relating to surgery, please contact our rooms to speak to the surgical co-ordinator on (03) 8823 9000 or email
Before your consultation with A/Prof Heriot or Dr Thomas Gin, you will see an Orthoptist (Allied Health practitioners) who will test your vision and check your eye health to assist in the diagnosis and management of your condition. While the majority of the eye tests and scans are non-invasive, some tests require a bright light similar to a camera flash. See Equipment and Retinal Lasers for more information on the different diagnostic testing.
In order to provide you with the highest standard of medical care, Retinology Institute is required to collect personal information about you (or your child / dependent). Your personal health information will be used for administrative purposes to assist in the running of Retinology Institute including, disclosure to others involved in your healthcare, such as treating doctors and specialists within and outside this Medical Practice. This may occur through referral to other Doctors, or for medical tests and in the reports or results returned to your doctor following referrals.