Ocular Genetics – The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

Ocular Genetics Clinic

You or your child may be referred to the ocular genetics clinic for assessment based on personal or family medical history, or the result of eye tests. Some reasons to attend our clinic include:
- Have further specialised tests to confirm an inherited eye condition.
- Explore genetic testing options and relevance this may have for individuals and family members.
- Provide families with information about the chance of having a child with the same condition.
- Help families understand an inherited eye condition and access the support they need.
- Identify opportunities for people who may be suitable for a treatment, clinical trial or research study.
As part of you OGC appointment, you may be reviewed by a team of eye and genetic health professionals. These include:
- Orthoptists
- Ophthalmologists
- Clinical geneticists
- Genetic counsellors
During the appointment a member of the team will discuss your eye, medical and family history. We will draw a family tree. It is important to gather information about any people who have had eye problems, and the age when these may have first started.

Your eye examination will consist of vision and other eye tests. These may vary depending on the eye condition for which you are being evaluated. Specialised cameras will be used to capture detailed images and scans of your eyes. You may need specialised electrodiagnostic tests to examine the function of your visual system. These can help your doctor(s) detect, diagnose and monitor inherited eye conditions.

If appropriate, genetic testing options and relevance will be discussed. Please note funding for genetic testing can be limited and suitability for either clinic funded, self-funded or research genetic testing will be discussed.
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital have a partnership with the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) Clinical Genetics Service. Some patients reviewed in the clinic require additional tests to check for any syndromic (other) features of their inherited eye condition.

If this is the case, you may be referred to our OGC geneticist and genetic counsellor who are based at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).

Individuals and families who require information and counselling regarding additional reproductive options may be referred to the RMH and/or another clinical genetic service.
As a world leader in ophthalmology services, the Eye and Ear is now at the cutting edge of research and teaching. This is supported through its close association with the University of Melbourne Departments of Ophthalmology, the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and other medical research institutes. You may be interested in exploring research opportunities. Specific links are listed below:
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Appointments

Should you have further questions about your eye appointment, please contact Patient Services and Access on 03 9929 8500 or via email on Patient.Services@eyeandear.org.au.

Royal Melbourne Hospital Genetic Testing Appointments

Should you have further questions about genetic eye testing appointments through the Royal Melbourne Hospital please contact Genomic Medicine on 03 9342 7151.
Emotional and Practical Support
- Guide Dogs Victoria
- Vision Australia
Educational Support
- Educational Vision Assessment Clinic (EVAC)
Disability Support Pension and transport forms
Driving and Vision
Support Groups
Genetics and genetic testing
- Consent – What is genomic or DNA testing?
- Insurance and genetic Testing

Meet the team:

Ocular Genetics Clinic