The Program is a collaborative care initiative, governed by the Eye and Ear Hospital, that supports audiologists in local communities in working with adults considering cochlear implantation and those who have received one. All members of VCIP have received robust and thorough training on working with adults using cochlear implants to ensure the services provided are of the highest standard and consistent with the quality and safety of the services provided at the Eye and Ear Hospital’s Cochlear Implant Clinic.
The key elements of the program include:
- Cochlear implant candidacy decision-making
- Post-operative management
- Long-term care of cochlear implant patients locally
**Oversight of medical management, surgical decision-making, and surgical services will remain centralised at our Cochlear Implant Clinic.**
Cochlear implant surgical services through the Victorian Cochlear Implant Program are available at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital, St Vincent’s Public Hospital, Goulburn Valley Health, Epworth Private (East Melbourne) and St Vincent’s Private East Melbourne. The team at the Eye and Ear will facilitate access to the relevant surgical service based on clinical criteria and funding stream.
Get in touch or make a referral
Please contact us via vcip@eyeandear.org.au for professional queries regarding patients or to learn more about cochlear implant services in Victoria.
To access referral guidelines and to make a referral, please download our VCIP Referral Form. You can also check out our Referral Guidelines, including patient FAQs.
For further information about VCIP service locations and Eye and Ear endorsed cochlear implant audiology practitioners in Victoria, please see our VCIP information sheet.
Testimonials
GV Health
“Don’t hesitate to explore this option—it can be life-changing.” Sue Kleinert, the first public cochlear implant recipient in Victoria to receive her implant outside the metropolitan region, at Goulburn Valley Health in August 2025
Ballarat Hearing Clinic
“The whole experience has been very collaborative. I’ve really enjoyed the training, and I can see the long term benefits for both audiologists and patients.”– Kurt Ashworth, Audiologist
