Where do I go for my test?
Your orthoptic testing will be in the Specialist Clinics, Level 1, via the Green lifts (Smorgon Family Wing), 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne 3002.
Why am I coming to the hospital to have this test?
The main reason patients are referred to the Eye and Ear is because the test is not available at their doctor’s clinic or their doctor would like the tests done by a specialist Orthoptist.
Is there a cost involved?
Yes. The costs are detailed overleaf. You need to pay before undertaking testing.
What if I have problems getting to my appointment?
Contact Patient Services and Access on (03) 9929 8500 to reschedule.
What hours do the Clinics operate?
Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5.30pm. Your private specialist will work with the hospital to organise an appointment for you, based on the testing you need.
Definition of tests
Accumap
The Accumap is a visual field test which objectively measures visual field loss by assessing the responses to light stimuli in the brain. It does not require input of the patient.
Cost:$80*
Time:45 mins
Eyedrops: No, eye drops are not required to perform this test.
A-scan
An A-scan is a measurement of the size of your eye and is usually done for patients who will be having surgery – most often for patients undergoing cataract surgery. The information gained from the AScan is needed to determine (a) what strength intra-ocular lens the doctor needs to implant and; (b) what type of anaesthetic your eye requires. There are two types of A-scan machines:
Tomey which uses ultrasound to obtain the length of the eye
Cost: $104*
Time: 20-30 mins
Eyedrops: In most instances, no eye drops are not required.
IOL Master which uses light to obtain the length of the eye
Cost: $112*
Time: 20-30 mins
Eyedrops: Occasionally anaesthetic drops are used but these do not interfere with your vision.
Fresnel prism fitting
Fresnel prisms are used to help alleviate double vision in suitable patients. The Fresnel prism attaches to the patient’s current glasses and is completely removable once it is no longer required.
Cost: $29*
Time: 20-60 mins
Eyedrops: No, eye drops are not required to perform this test.
Laser retinometry
This test of your visual acuity utilises a beam of light directly onto the central part of your retina and tells us what your potential vision could be It is essentially testing the quality of your retina to be able to distinguish images. This test is often done to decide whether cataract or corneal surgery would have any success.
$35*
20 mins
No, eye drops are not required to perform this test.
Motility/Orthoptic assessment
An Orthoptic assessment involves a series of tests to analyse how your eyes move and how/if they work together. This information is needed if you are going to be having surgery for strabismus (turned eye) or if you are having trouble seeing properly.
$35*
30-60 mins
No, eye drops are not required to perform this test.
Visual field testing
Visual field testing provides the doctor with a printout of what you are able to see in your side vision and how bright a light needs to be in order for you to notice it.
There is both an automated and a manual version of this test.
Frequently patients who have glaucoma, have had a stroke or many other problems are required to have this test. It is usually repeated at regular intervals to monitor for any changes.
$86*
30 mins
No, eye drops are not required to perform this test.
*Costs correct as of 24/02/20, subject to change without notice.
