What is ocular motility?
Ocular motility is a broad term that covers how well your eyes are moving and how this affects vision.
Why have I been referred to this clinic?
You will have been referred by your GP, ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or optometrist because they have concerns that you may have one or more of the following conditions:
- Squints (eyes that are not lined up correctly)
- Amblyopia (poor visual development in one or both eyes)
- Refractive error (you may need glasses)
- Double vision
Who will I see at the clinic?
When you attend the clinic, you will first see an orthoptist (allied health professional) who will carry out tests and may begin treatment and suggest suitable management plans.
You will then see the ophthalmologist who decides if any further tests are needed and confirms a management plan, which may include surgery.
What will my treatment at the Eye and Ear look like?
The Eye and Ear sees around 200,000 patients a year in our specialist Outpatient Clinics. We accept patients who meet our referral guidelines for assessment and treatment and try to ensure that the people most in need of our specialist services can be seen in a reasonable timeframe by our specialist ophthalmologists. Patients are discharged from the Eye and Ear when their condition is:
- resolved
- considered stable or
- can be managed by their GP or other health professional e.g. private ophthalmologist or optometrist in the community.
Being a highly specialised hospital our focus is on treating patients with urgent and complex conditions. If the ophthalmologist decides your condition is stable, they may transfer your care to a local ophthalmologist or optometrist with expertise in Ocular Motility.
This will be discussed with you at your appointment and you will have the opportunity to select a recommended community provider that is convenient to you (eg close to your home or work).
A letter with a summary of your condition and a management plan for your ongoing treatment will be sent to you, your selected community provider and your GP. The initial referral from the Eye and Ear specialist will cover your first visit to the community provider. Having a current referral will allow you to access your Medicare rebate but please note there may still be an out of pocket expense.
If the Eye and Ear ophthalmologist decides that your condition is fully resolved and you no longer require treatment, you will be discharged from the Eye and Ear. A letter with a summary of your condition and treatment will be sent to you and your GP.
Can you choose a different community provider?
While we strongly recommend your care continues with one of the suggested community providers, you are able to find your own provider. You can do this by entering your suburb in the ‘Find a Health Service’ area on the Better Health Channel.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) also has a general list of ophthalmologists and service providers.
More information
For more information about your appointment at the Eye and Ear please contact Patient Services and Access on (03) 9929 8500 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
For information on ocular motility visit: www.ranzco.edu.
Head of Clinic: Dr Lionel Kowal
Consultant Ophthalmologists: Dr Elaine Wong, A/Prof Susan Carden, Dr Wendy Marshman, Dr Joanne Dondey, Dr Roland Bunting, Dr Shivanand Sheth, Dr Lana Delporto.
Manager of Diagnostic Eye Services: Catherine Mancuso
