Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make an appointment?

  An appointment can be made by calling our rooms on 07 4646 2646. Reception staff will offer the next available appointment, with regard given to your specific and individual eye condition.

• Do I need a referral?

  Yes. A referral serves two purposes.

  The referral supplies Dr Seawright with important clinical information from your doctor or optometrist.

  Also, in order for you to claim a Medicare rebate for a specialist consultation, a current referral must be on file.

• What do I need to bring to the appointment?

  On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring the following:

  • Your referral*
  • Any glasses you currently wear
  • A list of all medications/supplements you take
  • Medicare / DVA card
  • Private health insurance card – Hospital cover only

  *Please note: if your referral is being forwarded by your GP or optometrist, it is your responsibility to ensure that we have received this PRIOR to your arrival at the rooms. We recommend calling to confirm the day before in case you need to follow up with your doctor or obtain a copy.

   

• Will I be required to pay the account on the day?

  Yes. All accounts are to be settled at the conclusion of the consultation.

  We are able to lodge your claim with Medicare for processing if you provide us your Medicare Card and have provided Medicare with your bank account details.

  Medicare rebates are generally deposited into your account within the 24-48 hours.

  DVA gold card holders with a current referral are billed directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Can I claim back any of the fee from Medicare or my private health fund?

  Provided you have a current referral at the time of your consultation you will be able to claim a rebate from Medicare.

  Private health funds are only able to provide a rebate if the service has been provided after being admitted to a registered Hospital or Day Hospital for treatment i.e. Toowoomba Surgicentre or St Vincent’s Hospital.

• Is there Disabled Parking facilities?

  There is car parking available on-site at 53 Margaret St for patients with disabilities.

• How long will my appointment take?

  Appointments generally take 30-90 minutes, depending on the tests and/or procedures required.

• Will I receive eyedrops and will these affect my vision?

  Some patients will require eyedrops to dilate their pupils. This allows Dr Seawright to better assess conditions affecting the back of the eye.

  If you receive eyedrops, it will be difficult to read or drive for a number of hours following your appointment.

  You may experience discomfort from outside glare – we recommend you bring sunglasses to alleviate this.

• Can I drive to the appointment?

  It is not recommended that you drive to your appointment in case you need to receive eyedrops to dilate your pupils.

  The drops used to dilate your pupils can take at least 2 hours to wear off, sometimes longer.

  It is recommended that you have someone to drive you or catch a taxi.

• Will I undergo any tests on the day of my appointment?

  Yes. A variety of tests can be performed depending on the reason for your visit.
  For example a glaucoma patient will need to undergo a peripheral visual field test; a patient with cataracts will undergo a series of scans.

• Will I be undergoing surgery on the day of the appointment?

  Dr Seawright performs more major procedures such as surgery for cataracts, glaucoma, eyelid disorders and more, at the Toowoomba Surgicentre, St Vincent’s Hospital and at the Toowoomba Hospital.

  These procedures are usually arranged to be performed on a later date.

  Minor procedures can be performed in the rooms and may or may not be scheduled to be performed the same day, depending on a range of factors that will be discussed with you during your consultation.

• Where do I park?

  Ample on-site parking is available at 53 Margaret Street.